Would you report this group chat?

[Fabulously]

My university has a student forum where the module chair shared details of a group chat he created for students to get study support. The group chat is not officially endorsed by the university but has well over 100 students and university staff members included such as tutors.

I’ve only been in it a week (haven’t posted anything) - but it gets heated; the module chair sends frequent edgy jokes about politics, disabilities, schools etc. Others join in with more outright inappropriate messages about immigration and benefits & the like, arguing ensues.

Earlier today, he got into a full argument with one of the students who started insulting the module chair’s mother in response, module chair responded in kind - basically a bizarre dispute. Would you just exit the chat or also make some attempt to report the unprofessional messages? I feel uncomfortable reporting given staff members are involved, as I wouldn’t want it to impact my studies! But at the same time it makes me look at the university differently, if the staff act like this, like I wouldn’t go to that module chair for help if I had to.

Well I wouldn't report it anonymously but then I work in a role where I'd be expected to report it and anyone who added me to a chat like this is an idiot. OP however was worried about it affecting their university results and if that's the case it should be reported anonymously.

Just leave it and move on.

I am not sure that OP’s post is an issue of free speech. I see it as being g about professional conduct. In a university setting this is so important. Any tutor who puts themself in the position of OP’s module lead is making themself vulnerable to various accusations.

Regarding the “Top of the morning to ya” issue and someone being sacked for saying it to a colleague it depends who who they said it to and the context. When I was a child that saying became a xenophobic trope aimed at the Irish - I think it was popularised by a “controversial” comedian. If a colleague said this persistently to someone who was Irish then it might be part of bullying behaviour and they should indeed be sacked.

In that single isolated case where the man in question won his case for wrongful dismissal, what does this tell us about society? That things have "become so ridiculous" that if you are wrongfully dismissed by your employer, a tribunal backs you and awards you a 5 figure sum in compensation? Sounds to me like things are working as they should.

Which other wrongful dismissal cases do you - as left leaning - find particularly interesting?

Exit and report.

Always think about your actions being explained to a judge..

' I stayed in the edgy bad chat, your honour '

We've seen a case recently where this kind of happened. People slating someone else for their comments but not actually complaining at the time. Partly because it's really dangerous to disagree publicly sometimes.
Leaving quietly might not be the best but will be easier.

If it doesn't offer the support it should then there is no reason.

Is there no report option within the forum?

I work at a uni and I would absolutely report that (although we do have an anonymous reporting tool).

I don’t think it’s the content of the messages that would bother me as much as the fact that it’s meant to be a maths support group but clearly isn’t. Important stuff could get lost in all the other noise. I think I’d have to comment to that effect “Just joined the group - is it for course support? Think I may have joined the wrong group if not!!”. Might make them realise how ridiculous their carry on is.

This .

You say that the group is not endorsed by the university, but the module chair suggested it, which some may feel is tacit endorsement. From what you have described, I’m amazed that staff members would remain on the chat, and whether or not you report it, it sounds pretty likely that someone will at some point

meanwhile I would definitely leave the group, as it doesn’t feel like it’s for you!

Being dismissed and having to go to tribunal would be incredibly stressful, regardless of the outcome.
That a tribunal had to hear such a ridiculous case illustrates that things are NOT working as they should.

I think 'first world problems' is a genuine phenomenon, and (largely social media driven) moral schooling is also a thing.

Just leave the group. You don’t have to be a captive audience. I know it might be frustrating to listen to comments that don’t align with your own beliefs, but we have free speech, so as long as it’s not impacting your own studies, then just remove yourself. I would think that’s only common sense tbh…

it sounds like a spat with the school [...]You dont know why a child's education is suffering and their parent is frustrated

I think you may have misunderstood what has been described. Which may or may not be hate speech - I agree we can't say that without far more detail - but is certainly deeply unprofessional.

This isn't a frustrated parent arguing with a teacher. The module chair (university staff) is ranting to students taking that module about a personal problem with the chair's child's school - nothing to do.with the university. In the course of which it seems they are expressing discriminatory attitudes about disability and possibly other protected characteristics that will affect some of their students.

It's not appropriate.

And the question is, if you agreed with any rhetoric that could be abhorrent to others, would you still report? Or is your anger selective…

Is it hate speech or just speech you hate?

The UK has never had ‘free speech’ just FYI. We adhere to ‘freedom of expression’ which is similar but different. It means that we are free to express any political opinion we like without reprisals. It does not mean that hate speech, incitement to violence or abusive language around protected characteristics is free from consequences.

The content of the chat may very well just be freedom of expression - but it also needs to be asked if it’s appropriate for a teacher (which university lecturers are) to be insulting students or whatever else he is saying.

XKCD said it best before the internet was enshittified.

University lecturer here. The module leader is being ridiculous and unprofessional.

What the fuck...she is reporting completely inappropriate behavior not reporting to the Ministry of Truth. The way you have interpreted the Orwell quote is inaccurate

I'm trying and failing to imagine any of my lecturers bandying words with us in this way (long pre internet though it was)

For a start, suppose the "module chair" has to mark/assess the work of the insulter of his esteemed parent. Not difficult to imagine some scenarios that could result from that, involving bias and accusations of unfairness.

What!? They have debased themselves to insulting mothers come on. It's not an intellectual forum any longer.

I think I would print some comments and mail them to somebody

Very wise words.

Oh do bore off.

In a professional setting it is unacceptable to make racist, discriminatory jokes and comments about anyone - particularly protected groups.

You want free speech? Get down the local pub with your mates, wrap yourself in a St George’s flag and have at it. Make sure you don’t miss pointing a finger at that weirdo in a wheelchair who talks funny. Because free speech amma rite?

To be honest, it’s telling that the people who agree with me come from a place of experience with universities and decent careers as opposed to those who don’t! It’s quite clear that there’s a different demographic at play.

@thegifttaegieus I don’t have a problem with free speech and with that in mind, it’s quite clear that the world would be a better place without you in it. Here’s another love heart ❤️