Free Speech in Universities:
May 2018 "Sam Gyimah, the universities minister, will announce tough guidance on the issue at a meeting today, calling attempts to silence debate “chilling”.
He will accuse some student societies of “institutional hostility” to certain unfashionable but perfectly lawful views. A “murky” legal landscape, with guidance from various regulators, lets zealots censor those with whom they disagree, Mr Gyimah will say."
www.thetimes.co.uk/article/sam-gyimah-crackdown-on-students-silencing-free-speech-x28jx85fc
threads:
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3239267-Free-Speech-No-Platforming-at-Universities
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3238951-some-good-news
Bristol:
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3233018-Freedom-of-Speech-A-statement-by-the-Chair-of-the-Universitys-Equality-Diversity-and-Inclusion-Group
Newcastle:
"A Northumbria University spokesman said they decided to allow the event to take place because it was their “legal duty to uphold freedom of speech”.
He added: “We can confirm that this external event took place on campus on Thursday evening, which provided an opportunity for constructive and peaceful debate.
“The university considered this request carefully on the basis of our legal duty to uphold freedom of speech."
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3208735-Womens-Place-Newcastle?pg=2&messages=100
Sussex:
University of Sussex Vice Chancellor's statement, 'Living Our Values':
(extract)
"I have also reflected upon a situation involving an academic member of staff here at Sussex and the concerns raised by some members of our community on the views that she has shared on the Gender Recognition Act, which the government is currently consulting on.
The academic in question has come under fire for articulating views, informed by her philosophical research and scholarship, on the laws and customs surrounding gender identity. Although she has stated that she is fully supportive of the rights of everyone to identify their own gender, she has also raised questions about where boundaries should be set and these have provoked strong feelings and, in some cases, accusations. It’s at this juncture I’ve felt uncomfortable about the implication that there may be something more sinister going on.
This situation is actually a telling example of how we can choose to call upon our values to inform how we act.
By celebrating inclusion, we must recognise the personal courage of the many individuals who come up against abuse or unacceptable behaviour - just because they are being themselves. I know it has been extremely difficult for many people in the transgender and non-binary community to hear the views held by our academic.
But for me, alongside this, we must also be kind to those people who are brave enough to share their own views – and respect the courage they have for doing so. Whether it is one of our academics or another member of staff, or one of our students, I feel very strongly that we must respect their right to free speech. I hold a deep-rooted concern about the future of our democratic society if we silence the views of people we don't agree with – even if our disagreements are vehemently opposed." (continues)
www.sussex.ac.uk/staff/newsandevents/?id=45388?ref=emailaccessible
thread:
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3292400-WPUK-Brighton-Meeting-Turning-the-Tide