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.’