Freedom of expression or academic freedom disputes and complaints

Where the issue involves the behaviour of an individual or group within the University community, often, raising the issue directly with the person or people involved can resolve the matter quickly. Let them know how you believe their behaviour is affecting your freedom of expression or academic freedom and ask that it stop. In many cases, people are unaware of the impact of their actions and will correct their behaviour once it is brought to their attention.

There may be times the issue involves the behaviour of an unknown or external source. If you feel comfortable and it is safe to do so, you could engage in direct, professional dialogue with the external party. At times providing context or explaining the University’s commitment to freedom of expression and academic freedom may resolve the issue.  

If you are unable to resolve the issue directly, or you do not feel safe or comfortable approaching the person or group yourself, you are encouraged to seek guidance from an appropriate support person. A support person can provide another perspective on whether a breach of freedom of expression or academic freedom has occurred. They might also be able to informally mediate discussions between parties, whether they be internal or external.

Appropriate support people/groups

These contacts are able to discuss options and provide advice on the best way to address your concerns.

Staff

• Your academic head
• Your manager
• HR Advisory (staff intranet)

Students

• Class representatives
• AUSA independent advice service
• Student Hubs
• Academic head or programme lead
• Course convenor
• Student Conduct Office
  
• Nga Tauira Māori Māori Students' Association
• Auckland University Pacific Island Student Association
• Kaiārahi/associate dean Māori and/or Pacific

Events and external speakers

If you would like to pursue informal resolution for an issue involving a group of people and/or external parties, for example if a protest group shuts down an event or an invitation for an external speaker is revoked, contact your academic head or line manager as appropriate, and email the Risk Office.  

If the issue has not been resolved by direct discussion or informal means, it may become a formal complaint. This process involves a structured investigation to determine if the issue violates interuniversity policies or legal protections for freedom of expression and academic freedom.

Staff

The first stage in making a formal complaint is to speak with any of the following:

• An appropriate academic head
• An appropriate line manager
• HR Advisory (staff intranet)
• The Staff Risk Intervention Team (staff intranet) when an external or unknown party is involved and the staff member has experienced a threat to personal safety.

Students 

Contact the Student Conduct Office to submit a complaint.

Staff and students

Another option is to make a formal complaint to the externally managed whistleblower hotline. 

• The whistleblower hotline phone number is 0800 100 526
• More information is provided on our Whistleblower hotline page

Note that while the University aims to take action on all complaints, formal action may be limited for completely anonymous reports.