Should faith groups be banned from campus?

No – people have the right to observe and manifest their beliefs in a reasonable manner, unless these observations restrict the freedoms of others.

There have been some examples of higher education institutions (HEIs) that have banned some religious groups on campus on the basis that institutions should not make provision for any religious groups as they are secular bodies. However, although the majority of HEIs are secular bodies, all institutions should look towards the promotion of good campus relations between people of different backgrounds, and meet the needs of their staff and student communities.

In 2007, Guidelines for Students’ Unions and Christian Unions were drafted and agreed by the National Union of Students and the Universities and Colleges Christian Fellowship, with the advice of the ECU. They are intended to assist affiliated Students’ Unions and student Christian Unions to manage their relationship in accordance with the law, university regulations and union regulations, and in line with principles of liberty, equality and respect for diversity.