David Farrar: Auckland Uni gets it right

The Auckland University Freedom of Expression Statement looks very good. It is clear with few weasel words. Key extracts:

The University actively fosters and supports lawful and constructive debate by its staff and students on any topic, including with the participation of external speakers invited by a staff member, or a recognised student association or student club.

It explicitly says no topics are verboten and that invited external speakers are welcome.

The University, as an institution, will not take public positions on matters that do not directly concern university roles, functions or duties.

Excellent.

Institutional neutrality is not a retreat from important conversations, but a commitment to creating an environment where such conversations can freely take place.

This is key. Institutional neutrality allows academic freedom.

David Farrar runs Curia Market Research, a specialist opinion polling and research agency, and the popular Kiwiblog where this article was sourced. He previously worked in the Parliament for eight years, serving two National Party Prime Ministers and three Opposition Leaders