Defend Dissent
Defend Dissent is a student-led movement fighting for a higher education sector where all students have the human right to speak out and protest without censorship or reprisal. Whether you’re a student, academic, alumni, or community member, we need to work together to defend our rights.
Why defending the right to speak out on campus matters now
UK campuses, once vibrant spaces for debate, activism, and dissent, are increasingly becoming places of fear and censorship. Students and academics speaking out - especially for Palestinian rights - have faced bans, surveillance, police involvement, and disciplinary action. If we don’t act now, this chilling effect will only spread.
The right to speak out and challenge powerful institutions has never been more critical. We need you to help us defend this right.
Our goal
We want a UK higher education sector where all students can freely express their views, challenge ideas, and engage in open debate without fear of censorship, reprisal, or institutional barriers. These rights must be supported by clear, enforceable policies that make freedom of expression a reality on every campus.
How we’re taking action
- Coalition building on campus: Uniting students, staff, and communities to form strong, student-led coalitions that campaign locally and support each other against repression and anti-rights attacks.
- Building student power: Equipping students with the skills, confidence, and knowledge to speak out and take action for free expression on their campuses and defend their rights.
- Campaigning in universities: Campaigning for universities to sign the Defend Dissent Charter and implement policies that protect freedom of expression, protest, and academic freedom.
Join us
Whether you’re a student, academic, or concerned community member, your voice matters and will help us win.
Join the movement to build and strengthen coalitions, learn about your rights, and hold universities accountable.
Contact [email protected] or @defend.dissent on Instagram to join the team.
Related content
Amnesty student groups take action on their campuses by advocating for human rights through impactful campaigns, protests, educational events, and collaborations with local communities.
Our local groups, regional networks, specialist networks and student groups help drive our campaigns, raise funds and speak up for human rights.
The Student Action Network Committee, also known as the STAN Committee, consists of ten students who are elected (by other students!) to lead campaigns, represent student groups in Amnesty UK and to support them in their campaigning. The committee's aims are to support Amnesty Student groups to win human rights victories on campuses, identify and train leaders within our movement, and to grow our student network.