After a mediation supported by the Free Speech Union (FSU), New Plymouth Boys’ High School acknowledged that Oliver Jull was excluded from participating in the finals of the school speech competition because of the content of his speech, apologised for this and the distress this caused, and stated they remain committed to giving effect to freedom of expression rights of students.
The FSU staff will now provide training at the school on best practice guidance on freedom of speech in an educational setting, says Jillaine Heather, Chief Executive of the Free Speech Union.
“We welcome the school’s acknowledgement and apology, and its commitment to support students’ freedom of expression. Excluding a student from participating in the school speech finals because some members of the audience ‘may be offended’ is the antithesis of the standard we expect from our secondary schools.
“If democracy and tolerance are to have a future in New Zealand, they must start in our schools, where our future leaders are equipped to think independently and critically, and where they are applauded for having the courage to speak out. The schools’ actions up until the mediation were the opposite of this and did not set a good example for other young people. Their decision to apologise, reaffirm their commitment to free speech, and agree to free speech training is commendable and the only right course to take.
“We are proud to have stood alongside a young free speech champion like Oliver Jull, and applaud him for his courageous refusal to be silenced. Likewise, we are grateful to the tens of thousands of Kiwis who support our work to ensure that those whose voices are silenced don’t have to stand alone. We look forward to meeting constructively with NPBHS to conduct free speech training later in the year.”
Institutions trying to control the narrative as per the WEF an d JWO ‘guidelines’…!
What was the content(s) of the speech?
Anti-Zionist, anti-Israel maybe???
Most certainly.
Would have been nice to know what was in the speech, that caused such offence. Suffice to say, free speech is not in vogue, these days.
Quote Centris nz:
His speech, covering topics like “erosion of traditional values” and the “impact of multiculturalism,” sparked school concerns, resulting in Jull’s exclusion.
Well done Oliver! What a fantastic speech. Agreed with everything thing he said and learnt a whole lot too.
What hope there is if we have young people like him in our country. Future PM material for sure.
Also well done to Oliver’s parents – they should be so proud of their fine young man.
Another thanks to the Free Speech Union – bravo on this victory for free speech 👏👏👏