Australian Catholic U is drafting a code

VC Greg Craven has commissioned the university’s counsel to produce a code for its Senate to endorse.

“The code will serve as a touchstone document that provides members of the university community with certainty and clarity around freedom of speech,” he says.

The decision follows Education Minister Dan Tehan’s push for universities to adopt the model code in the French review of university free speech and news (CMM Tuesday) that he has asked for advice on changing legislation and regulation governing universities.

But Professor Craven appears to want it understood that while ACU supports Mr French’s proposal the university is not being pushed into anything.

“The proposed ACU code will be modelled closely on the French code and  …  will be adapted to suit the university’s characteristics and mission,” he says.

The ACU announcement follows Uni Melbourne’s council endorsing a freedom of speech policy (CMM yesterday).  Vice Chancellor Duncan Maskell said the new policy, “follows extensive consultation within the university community both before and after the French Review was undertaken.”

Looks like the start of a trend.