The Daily Telegraph

Free speech at KCL

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sir – I write to clarify King’s College London’s events management policy, following several letters (March 20).

We have not cancelled any events. Universiti­es offer the widest possible opportunit­y for free expression of knowledge and ideas, as well as the right to protest against them – within the boundaries of the law.

We assess events against a range of criteria, including their legality, health and safety, and the risk of violent protest. King’s hosted almost 3,000 events last year and only 20 were referred for review; four were deemed high-risk and all of them went ahead.

Following the violent protest at a recent student society event, which led to a member of staff being hospitalis­ed, we have temporaril­y postponed all high-risk events. This is to ensure the health and safety of our community. The vast majority of events continue to go ahead.

We have invited the small number of student societies affected to reschedule their events next term. Striking the balance between the right to speak, the right to protest and the right to be safe is a challenge, but one that we are absolutely committed to overcoming. Professor Ed Byrne

Principal and President King’s College London

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