Everyone should see this IMPORTANT

[MsMcWoodle]

Have a look. What country are we in:
www.facebook.com/julie.bindel/videos/pcb.10160135970780316/10160135907955316/?type=3&theater

the calibre of anarchists has certainly plummeted in recent years

Hasn’t it just. I’m sure there used to be an evident sense of humour, amongst other things.

Youth of today [shakes head]

Trying and failing to figure out how JB stayed so calm throughout. Could actually feel my (very low) blood pressure rising to unhealthy levels just watching the video. Not in fear. In complete and utter fury.

We have a right to free assembly and association in this country. We also have a right to protest. So I do understand why the police is reluctant to step in. But I would like to know where the state stands when a group of mostly male people exercises their right to protest in a way that interferes with female people's right to free assembly and association.

As others have said, peaceful protest is a different creature from that on show here. (And actual violence does not have to be committed for this to be classed as common assault.)

These are not children. These are adult men following a pre-planned course of action as a group.

A group who feel entitled to force their belief system on others, no matter what.

And the one who called Magdalen a cunt for not being able to telepathically lift that rude woman's pronoun preferences from her brain epitomises this sense of entitlement, the egotism and selfishness beautifully.

Common courtesy - from us: demanded. From them: not necessary.
Ditto politeness, consideration, respect, acceptance and sufferance.

This video will help thousands see these extremists for who they are:

Men intimidating women.

A story as old as time itself.

Marvin you may be making useful points. You may not. The second you call us terfs is the second I stop reading.

One does not sling insults at people one wishes to engage with. One slings insults at people one wishes to offend, intimidate and silence.

You are free to sling. I am free to disengage. Life is too short.

Bristol University has come out in support of free speech, and has spoken to some of the students involved in the protest.

twitter.com/doormatt134/status/989208316646748163?s=19

twitter.com/FeministRoar/status/989560579223322624?s=19

@Ketzele

Thanks for that post. A little puddle of calm among the sea of insanity taking over this debate...
Those kids blocking the stairs are still probably self entitled over priviledged little twerps though... ;)

@SunsetBeech

That action was taken back in February after students tried to shut down WPUK when they were due to talk at the Uni. It doesn't relate to the recent meeting at the Jam Jar. Not sure that the Uni can do anything about that as it took place off campus?

www.bris.ac.uk/news/2018/february/freedom-of-speech.html

The Jam jar venue meeting in Bristol wasn’t on campus and I don’t know if the debate-blocking, physically-intimidating male supremacists are known to be from Bristol university.

Nonetheless Bristol University’s statement about the Feb WPUK meeting is excellent though, hadn’t seen that: (extract)

While this event was not affiliated with or hosted by the University, it presents an opportune time to affirm our commitment to freedom of speech and to the rights of all our students and staff to discuss difficult and sensitive topics. Universities are places of research and learning, where debate and dissent are not only permitted but expected, and where controversial and even offensive ideas may be put forward, listened to and challenged. Intellectual freedom is fundamental to our mission and values. Our freedom of speech policy underlines the vital importance of our right, as members of a free and democratic society, to speak openly without fear of censorship or limitation, provided that this right is exercised responsibly, within the law, and with respect for others who may have differing views. We do not condone attempts to silence discussion before it has even taken place or the use of stereotyping or threatening language to prevent debate.

We also take this opportunity to affirm our equally strong commitment to making our University a place where all feel safe, welcomed and respected, regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, disability or social background. We believe that calls for this event to be banned were largely founded on the sincere desire to show support and solidarity for transgender people in our society and in our university community. We regret however that this desire has been expressed by some in a manner which may have caused others to fear that their own right to meet and speak freely about matters of concern to them is not protected by the University.

Professor Nishan Canagarajah

Pro-Vice Chancellor Research & Enterprise

Chair of the University's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Group

Ah @JustABrokenDoll I got a bit excited seeing someone actually standing up for free speech and posted before reading it all. Still an excellent statement though.

It is. Good to see this.

link to MN thread re Bristol University's statement etc
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3233018-Freedom-of-Speech-A-statement-by-the-Chair-of-the-Universitys-Equality-Diversity-and-Inclusion-Group

Thanks @R0wantrees !

@SunsetBeetches It was an excellent response and statement from Bristol Uni, I'm glad they dealt with it so efficiently.

A number of the protesters at the Jam Jar were masked so I don't know if the Uni could identify them. Even if they could, the meeting was held off campus so I doubt there's much the Uni could do unless arrests were made. Josh C was there but I think he's already graduated from UWE.

Whoops, got your name wrong @SunsetBeetch

No worries @MagneticMan