Oxford University will no longer be able to use non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in cases of sexual assault, harassment, bullying and other forms of misconduct.

NDAs are orders that prevent victims from speaking out.

On February 7, Parliament MPs debated the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill and backed an amendment to ban NDAs.

The campaign against the orders was led by It Happens Here Oxford, a student run organisation that supports survivors of sexual violence.

The group gathered testimonies from students across the university who are subject to non-disclosure agreements and gagging clauses.

In April 2022, Lady Margaret Hall became the first college to sign a pledge not to use NDAs.

This came after a student accused the college of imposing a ‘blanket gagging clause’ to silence her after she alleged she was violently raped by a fellow student.

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Layla Moran, MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, celebrated the government’s backing of the ban.

She said: “I am delighted that the government has listened to survivors and supported an amendment to ban universities from using non-disclosure agreements in cases of sexual abuse, bullying, or harassment. 

“I have been shocked and saddened by the testimonies of survivors that I have heard, many of whom felt silenced by an institution that was supposed to protect them.

“Survivors of sexual violence should never be prevented from speaking out about their experiences. 

“This change in legislation is a huge victory for the young women who have bravely spoken out about what happened to them.

“Their courage and tireless campaigning mean students will never again be told that their pain and their voice doesn’t matter.”