New Arc of Sanctuary seminar series launch

Following the success of the EARC Conference 2025, we are launching a new Arc of Sanctuary seminar series. The aim of the seminar series is to create opportunities for a wide range of voices – from the Eastern Arc universities and beyond – to speak to current challenges and issues relating to embedding concepts of welcome in higher education institutions.

The first will be hosted by UEA and will focus on ‘Freedom of Speech and Sanctuary in UK Higher Education: Friends or Foes in 2026?’

In this inaugural research seminar, Professor Anshuman Mondal from the University of East Anglia and Professor David Ruebain from the University of Sussex will join an informal conversation on freedom of speech and sanctuary in UK Higher Education.

Key topics to be covered include the meaning of “free speech”, how different political actors invoke “freedom of speech” for strategic purposes, and the relationship between freedom of speech, inclusion and sanctuary at UK universities. The seminar will start with a conversation between Professor Anshuman Mondal, Professor David Ruebain and the moderator (Dr Ulrike Theuerkauf, University of East Anglia), and then be opened to further conversation with audience members.

Registration

The session will take place on Wednesday 28 January 2026, 1-2pm and is open to all. To register, click here.

Joining the Arc of Sanctuary

If you want to join our ‘Arc of Sanctuary’ community, to be updated on future events, information or opportunities, contact us at info@easternarc.ac.uk