Free speech

8 replies

Limestone · 02/02/2019 01:47

"While student unions are free to choose whether or not to invite individual speakers, placing blanket bans on groups that hold a particular political view is likely to breach English and Welsh free speech laws, according to the guidance released on Saturday."

www.theguardian.com/education/2019/feb/02/government-tells-universities-to-protect-free-speech-on-campus

OP posts:

Semp · 02/02/2019 02:26

Not inviting someone to speak on a certain topic wouldn't violate free speech laws. All the human rights act does for free speech stops the government or emanations of the government from banning people from talking.

A student union group is not an emanation of the state so they can refuse or accept anyone they want to talk.

TimeLady · 02/02/2019 07:22

Good report about this in The Times too

www.thetimes.co.uk/article/students-told-not-to-ban-speakers-for-transphobia-vq3vctl8j?shareToken=a316e6ec9976aa54335fc1d330190cd6

Feminists who believe that transgender women are still men should not be barred from speaking at universities because their views do not break the law, students have been told.

Hope Harry Miller is reading this too.

The guidance has been written by the Equality and Human Rights Commission with the National Union of Students and university leaders.

birdsdestiny · 02/02/2019 07:24

Report on radio 4 just now mentioning the gender critical viewpoint. It's good this is being discussed.

LizzieSiddal · 02/02/2019 07:27

Just heard this on Radio 4, they specifically mentioned GG being No Platformed and Jenni Murray stepping down from an event because of accusations of hate speech.
A great bit of news to start the weekend!

LizzieSiddal · 02/02/2019 07:30

Just saw this bit in The Times

The guidance says that hate speech has “no legal meaning. The criminal law balances the right to freedom of expression with the protection of individuals and communities from threats, abuse and harassment both on and offline. Where this line is crossed, the perpetrator may be prosecuted.”

That’s very important, especially in light of certain Police forces phoning/visiting people for “hate speech”.

NeurotrashWarrior · 02/02/2019 08:35

Second deeper segment on now started 8:30. R4

Discussing feelings - not sure who it is, but is saying the best way to deal with hurt feelings is to talk and discuss, continue the debate. (I think)

NeurotrashWarrior · 02/02/2019 08:38

Oh hang on, someone else now.

Safe spaces.

The thing is, these are based on the EA. Sex is a part of the EA.

NeurotrashWarrior · 02/02/2019 08:39

She who ever it is, doesn't want Greer to come to a university.

Alisha Lewis.

Really not getting it.

Flip