Ele Ludemann: Otago stands up for free speech

Otago University’s decision to hold a discussion on free speech in private was somewhat ironic.

But the discussion itself had the right outcome with the Free Speech Union calling it gold standard:

The Free Speech Union strongly welcomes the University of Otago’s impressive statement on free speech released today, says Jonathan Ayling, Chief Executive of the Free Speech Union.

“University of Otago’s statement on free speech is the best we’ve seen in the country. It is the new gold standard for policies of this kind and should set the tone for other New Zealand universities.

“The University articulates the crucial importance of free speech for the function of the university, and of tolerance and diversity of opinion.

“A key point is the acknowledgment that some ideas aren’t off limits simply because some deem them unwise or offensive. We commend their stance that the university is not a place to be kept ‘safe’ from ideas.

“We welcome this policy and congratulate the university on its dedication to this freedom.”

The University’s policy on free speech states:

Free speech is the lifeblood of a university. It enables the exploration of ideas, the challenging of assumptions, and the uncovering of truth through open exchange. It allows students, teachers and researchers to know better the variety of beliefs, theories and opinions in the world. Only through a preparedness to challenge, question, and criticise ideas can progress in understanding take place. Consistent with its motto Sapere Aude, ‘dare to be wise’ and the ikoa Māori Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka, the University of Otago is committed to the fearless pursuit of knowledge driven by māhirahira (curiosity) and bounded by pono (integrity). That commitment requires a wide range of views to be freely presented, discussed and debated.

The University affirms that it will not restrict debate or deliberation simply because the ideas put forth are thought by some to be offensive, unwise, immoral, or wrong-headed. It is for the members of the University community – its students and staff – to make those judgments for themselves. The University is not a place for safety from ideas – it is a place to engage in critical thought and debate in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding. Our students will not be prepared for a complex and challenging world unless they have experience negotiating conflict and disagreement.

The University therefore guarantees all members of its community, including invited visitors, the right to advance ideas in the spirit of free and open enquiry. Furthermore, in its role as critic and conscience of society, the University provides a space in which contrary and unpopular positions can be advanced free from political interference or suppression.

This is a very important point that has been ignored at other universities which have sought to censor views they fear may upset some people.

It is also a very clear statement standing against cancel culture.

This commitment to free speech does not mean that any utterance is appropriate in a university setting. The University may properly restrict expression which violates the law. Moreover, the University accepts no duty to provide a space for those who are not members of its community to advance their ideas or theories in ways which fundamentally undermine the University’s character as an institute of higher learning. The University may also reasonably regulate the time, place, and manner of expression to ensure that it does not disrupt the ordinary activities of the University.

The University’s support for free speech carries with it corollary responsibilities. Although students, staff, and visitors are free to criticise, contest, and condemn the views expressed on campus, they should not obstruct, disrupt, or otherwise interfere with the freedom of others to express those views.

The University challenges members of its community and invited visitors to be tolerant of the diversity of identities and beliefs of others. We encourage debate in good faith guided by the principles of manaakitaka (care and respect for others).

This statement was ratified on 9 July 2024, to reiterate the University’s solemn and long-standing responsibility not only to promote lively and fearless freedom of debate and deliberation, but also to protect that freedom when others attempt to restrict it. Portions of the statement were adapted from the University of Chicago’s Report of the Committee on Freedom of Expression (January 2015) and the Model Code advanced as part of the Independent Review into Freedom of Speech in Australian Higher Education Providers (April 2019), the University of Oxford’s Statement on Free Speech (August 2016), and the University of Cambridge’s Statement on Free Speech (December 2020).

This policy should be a given for all universities but it is not.

The FSU has criticised Auckland University’s draft policy and Victoria University’s response to a proposed debate on free speech.

And Dr Michael Johnson and Dr James Kierstead criticised Victoria’s free speech policy:

Education without free speech isn’t true education, it’s indoctrination which should have no place in universities.

Like many Otago alumni I have a soft spot in my heart for the university.

That doesn’t mean I agree with everything it does, but I am delighted that it has made a very clear statement supporting free speech and the responsibility that goes with it to allow others to speak and be heard.

That in itself won’t make it easy for everyone to espouse their views, but at least those who think their right to free speech has been compromised will have the University’s policy on their side.

Ele Ludemann is a North Otago farmer and journalist, who blogs HERE - where this article was sourced.