Speakers/Topics and the Autonomy of Event Organisers

There is a clear expectation that organisers ensure the event format allows for views and perspectives to be challenged, e.g., by providing time for an open Questions & Answers session. This is also an important element of freedom of speech, a core value for a university.

Where an event deals with a particularly contentious issue, it is wise for organisers to not only engage with the Trinity Enquiries team about their proposed event, but to also engage with other relevant areas in Trinity for advice (e.g., Dean of Students, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Office), as well as with other recognised student societies and student capitated bodies who may be impacted by the subject of the event.

It is also important to ensure that access to an event which may be contentious in nature is possible without financial or other impediments for all students and staff (subject to the event reaching capacity).

It is an established practice in Trinity that recognised student societies and other recognised student capitated bodies (e.g. Students’ Union) invite speakers on different topics. College acknowledges the independence of recognised student societies and recognised capitated bodies in deciding who to invite as a speaker. This is not something College interferes with, subject to the laws of the land being adhered to by the event organisers and/or speakers.

This position has led to situations in the past whereby College is called upon by concerned members of the College community to cancel certain events. Such action by the College would interfere with the importance Trinity places on the autonomy of recognised societies and capitated bodies.

Trinity does retain the right to cancel the availability of a venue for an event when the laws of the land are not being followed, or for significant logistical reasons. This right to cancel the availability of a venue is retained right up until the event begins. The submission of a detailed Event Management Plan by event organisers in advance mitigates against this eventuality.

It is important that event organisers such as student societies appreciate that they as a collective are fully responsible for the event organised, and it is up to them to take absolute ownership of any issues that might arise as a result of their event.

The independence enjoyed by recognised student societies and student capitated bodies comes with significant responsibility to ensure everything is done responsibly and in line with the policies of the university, which registered students and staff members are obliged to follow.