by Atina Dimitrova
An alarming new survey reveals the lack of free speech on universities campuses. Image credit: Getty
The Free Speech University Ranking 2018 reveals that 39 per cent of British universities have chilled free expression through excessive regulation, a nine per cent increase since last year.
The survey, carried out by the online magazine Spiked, analyses what students are allowed to say and which speakers they’re allowed to invite to campus.
Stephen Knight talks free speech in universities with Spiked. Credit: Twitter
The research also shows that 23 per cent of the institutions have safe spaces policies. These are physical places on campus where some views can’t be aired because they’re considered uncomfortable. Speakers are vetted and strictly informed what they could say. We don’t pay £9,250 a year for well-filtered views. Let’s face it − curtailing free speech is acceptable only in fascist states.
Although the multicultural experience the UK offers teaches us to be tolerant, especially to sensitive people, these restrictions are detrimental to social progress. It’d be very unfortunate to think that banning some ideologies, books and speakers makes us better educated and more open-minded. It just covers us in a cocoon of soft and smooth threads of delusions that we’re becoming more mature.
It’s getting even worse – 37 per cent of the institutions have no-platform policies. Banning speakers because their views are controversial blocks the fundamental right to freedom of expression.
37 per cent of British universities have no-platform policies. Image credit: Getty
The UK won’t become more supportive of the different beliefs, cultures and religions by hindering students’ access to unpopular views.
Universities are sacred institutions where you should be challenged. Although some speakers such as Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg might be disturbing with their opposition to same-sex marriage and abortion, they should be given a platform too. It’s time to come out of the cocoon − signing up for university doesn’t come with a carefully-crafted ticket to a land of comfort.
Left-wing protesters recently disrupted a speech by Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg in Bristol. Image credit: Getty