Event Start Date: 07 March 2024 17:00 - 18:30

Location: Amersi Room, Brasenose College

How do we ensure conversations on ‘difficult’ issues take place in a respectful and courteous manner?

Five colleges (Balliol, Mansfield, Regent’s Park, Somerville and Worcester) will seek to answer that question through a series of debates whose challenging subject matter will illustrate the exercise of freedom of speech in conjunction with respectful discourse.

The first debate, held at Brasenose College on March 7th 2024, will consider the topic of assisted dying. Chaired by John Bowers KC, the Principal of Brasenose College, the event will feature among other guests Lord Falconer, the former Lord Chancellor, and Lady Finlay of Llandaff, a Professor of Palliative Medicine. The debate will also be conducted with reference to a framework of ‘tips’ to promote free speech developed by Oxford students and academics.

Please note: this event is open to all University of Oxford members. The main entrance to Brasenose is via the Porters’ Lodge on Radcliffe Square.

Register to Attend

Further reading?

Archive of the Council of Women World Leaders: Official Opening

Author Name
October 17th 2025
Learn More
Archive of the Council of Women World Leaders: Official Opening

Jane Austen and Somerville

Author Name
Saturday 8th November 2025
Learn More
Jane Austen and Somerville

Alumni Carol Concert at Temple Church

Author Name
Tuesday 9th December 2025
Learn More
Alumni Carol Concert at Temple Church