Jo Johnson – Minister of state for universities, held a speech just over a week ago at the Limmud conference in Birmingham, commenting on the role of universities in quashing ‘liberal principle’ and how the rise of safe spaces affects free speech. “However well-intentioned, the proliferation of such safe spaces, the rise of no-platforming, the removal of ‘offensive’ books from libraries and the drawing up of ever more extensive lists of banned “trigger” words are undermining the principle of free speech in our universities.” (Gov.uk speech)
Following these comments and talks of introducing fines for universities who do not comply, universities and students alike have begun to express their views against such implementation. Jack Haines is the manager of Hull University Liberal-Democrats: “I’d argue that fines could be seen as a step backward, everything possible should be done to make students feel safe, happy and free, but at the same time free-speech should not be crushed. Instead I’d argue that everything possible should be done to ensure multiple different voices are heard, while also finding a balance to root out extremist views that make a university healthy while also free.” Students should feel safe in a learning environment and with the introduction of these fines could be made to feel endangered within a place they are offered protection, Jack points out the necessity to have voices heard whilst striking an incredibly difficult middle ground where both sides may feel the need for compromise. Alternatively giving the more controversial parties a level playing field may lead to a better understanding, and less harsh tactics used to project their views, will groups such as the EDL having a large following in the Humber region, could sway them from regular marches.
“The University of Hull is committed to eliminating unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimization … fostering good relations between people with different characteristics – age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation” An extract from Hull University’s official equality charter . When questioned about a threat to the values upheld by the University, Jack maintained that: “The University is outstanding at providing strong opposition to discrimination through the student union and other means. I don’t think any rational legislation would put this policy at threat.” Ensuring the confidence students have in their university bodies, Jack reinforces the ideals that keep the sanctity of equality in check.
In response to political platforms being offered by Johnson to the list of proscribed groups (NUS):
“Its clear that all of the groups listed are banned for what could be seen as inciting unrest, promoting hatred, or discriminating in some form. I agree that in any case of a group spreading hatred, they should be hit with fines if not banned completely. Groups should feel the full repercussions of going against university policy. In the worst-case scenario E.G. inciting violence and hate, groups should be disbanded and banned completely.” With a no tolerance approach to hate speech Jack strengthens the views of the majority in upholding the values of defending the rights of the persecuted.