Today, 26 January, the UPF Senate passed a declaration on the respect, defence and promotion of freedom of expression. The text presented, at the proposal of the Governing Team and with contributions by the university community, has been ratified with 73 votes in favour, none against and six abstentions. Today’s extraordinary session was held in blended format in the auditorium of the Ciutadella campus and on Zoom, and could be followed live via Campus Global.

The approved declaration serves the University to enhance its firm commitment to ensuring an environment where diverse opinions and ideas can be expressed and heard, including those that may prove controversial. Thus, the text recalls that freedom of expression is one of the foundations of any democratic society and a paramount condition for its progress and for the development of people, and ensures that the University will, in the broadest possible way, protect the exercise of the right to freedom of expression and academic freedom. At the same time, it recalls that such protection must be compatible with the duty to be responsible and respect the rights of others, in line with the vision of the European Court of Human Rights.

Finally, the declaration mentions that, once the appropriate procedures have been carried out, the text will be incorporated into the UPF Code of Ethics as a reference document on this issue, and within the framework of promoting the integrity of the University.

Presentation of the Declaration at the Senate by the rector

Video of the speech by Oriol Amat, UPF rector

In his speech to the Senate, Oriol Amat, UPF rector, wished to start by mentioning what he understands as good leadership, with a reference to an opinion article he published last November, entitled Humble leadership.

He went on to review the events that led to convening, today, an extraordinary session of the UPF Senate. He referred to the statement that UPF made on 30 December and deeply regretted the distress it caused to some of the members of the community. For this reason, he described it as a mistake of communication, apologized, and confirmed that the aforementioned communication would be retracted, as it indeed has been.

He also explained that these events have provided a learning opportunity that will not be wasted neither by himself, nor by the management team: “admitting having brought about this situation can be understood as a weakness, but it is an opening of the heart that, in my opinion, expresses that the community is more highly valued than oneself, and that the utmost importance is given to the desire to serve”.

With regard to the call for the extraordinary meeting, he said that it “aims to stress that the Senate is the highest representative body of our community and debate within the University. By calling this meeting, we are taking the debate to the University, focusing on the field that concerns us, away from other additional, external discussions. In this way, we are promoting reflection and dialogue within our community, which are essential for a university institution”. He also maintained that the declaration is in line with the best practices of the top international universities and with the most advanced standards.

However, he expressed his conviction that taking the issue to the Senate and asking for suggestions from the entire community about the declaration “is helping to strengthen the community and to include the plurality that shapes it. I am convinced that time will confirm this”.

Finally, he thanked the university community both for the messages of support and understanding, as well as criticisms and suggestions, which have made it possible to take advantage of the opportunity that the Senate has had today and to provide a statement that will prove very useful at UPF.

Full speech by the UPF rector (pdf)