Victoria University of Wellington has decided to postpone a scheduled debate on freedom of speech, citing worries that it might devolve into a platform for ‘hate speech’.
The decision comes after student magazine Salient criticised the ‘lack of diversity’ among the confirmed panelists, specifically targeting Jonathan Ayling from the Free Speech Union for his defense of what they deem as ‘harmful rhetoric’.
Salient sub-editor Henry Broadbent told state media he was concerned Ayling’s inclusion ‘compromised the safety’ of marginalised groups on campus, alleging that the speech the Free Speech Union supports often aligns with the United Nations’ ‘definition of hate speech.’
Broadbent claimed even with measures like fact-checking and moderation, the potential harm caused by hateful speech cannot be undone. He questioned the university’s priorities asking whether it values student safety or the grievances of certain individuals more.
In response, Vice-Chancellor Nic Smith stated the debate’s postponement aimed to ensure a ‘balanced and representative’ discussion.
Reacting to the decision, Jonathan Ayling of the Free Speech Union said it was important all voices be heard, regardless of whether their perspectives are deemed ‘offensive or harmful,’ arguing free speech serves to protect minorities and that suppressing certain viewpoints undermines the foundational principles of democracy.
Ayling criticised the notion of restricting free speech to shield minorities – society’s ability to discern truth from error should be trusted. He emphasised the university’s role as a platform for dialogue and debate, suggesting that if students are not prepared to engage with challenging ideas, they may not be suited for a university environment.
ACT Party David Seymour tweeted, ‘Here we have the tragi-comic spectacle of a debate on free speech being shut down because students are “freaked out” that it includes “right wing” voices. I’ve read about lions on the yellow brick road showing more courage than the university leadership here.’
Here we have the tragi-comic spectacle of a debate on free speech being shut down because students are “freaked out” that it includes “right wing” voices.
I’ve read about lions on the yellow brick road showing more courage than the university leadership here. pic.twitter.com/dYS0jXkZSd
— David Seymour (@dbseymour) April 26, 2024
Image credit: Unsplash+
Poor woke nz is farcical. God help us.
Yes just read this on another site. I don’t blame VUW. No doubt they came under horrendous pressure.
This is what New Zealand has become by buying into Woke-ism or Fasc-ism, as truly is, with the mask removed.
Oppression hates the rational light, free speech casts upon it.
Bunch of tossers going on a which hunt. Very true comment from Jonathan Ayling; “if students are not prepared to engage with challenging ideas, they may not be suited for a university environment.”
And David Seymour “students are “freaked out” that it includes “right wing” voices.”
You want the truth
YOU CANT HANDLE THE TRUTH 😂
Our institutions are corrupt.
Education, legal, political, medical – you name it
Time for New Zealanders to stand up and take the trash out
Where does Henry Broadbent live?
Imagine being so pathetically weak that you need to be protected from words.
Now imagine celebrating that weakness as some kind of a virtue, and gloating that your opponent isn’t allowed to speak (because if he did he’d destroy you).
For perspective, there are teens in other parts of the world working in mines and field-stripping rifles on the battlefield. Sleeping outside and eating twice a week if they’re lucky. And many of them will be granted visas over the next few years.
Hard times ahead for the current crybaby generation. Someday life is going to hit them very hard indeed. They just don’t know it yet.
Don’t consider myself either wing. Though, I do agree with Jonathan Ayling on this one.
Freedom of speech and expression to the max. No stifling speech because someone may get upset or people claim it may cause harm.
That is how the covid narrative played out. Experts and media that would not debate if it could give air to the opposite position, and supposedly cause harm to someone (people not getting the jab).
What are they afraid of?
The truth
Sticks and stones will break my bones but words can never hurt me