Universities are operating in an increasingly complex and politically charged environment. From new OfS free speech requirements and Condition C6 to heightened scrutiny surrounding campus tensions linked to national and global events, leaders are being challenged to balance legal compliance, academic freedom, and community cohesion in an incredibly visible landscape. This session will explore how universities can uphold freedom of speech while maintaining constructive campus relations and inclusive learning environments. Speakers will examine the practical realities of responding to controversial speakers, protests, online discourse, and politically sensitive issues, alongside the operational, governance, and reputational risks institutions must increasingly navigate.