Review clears Thomas

A review has cleared Massey University vice-chancellor Jan Thomas of wrongdoing in cancelling a Don Brash speaking event.

Brash and Thomas have been at the centre of a freedom-ofspeech debate since former National Party leader Brash was prevented from speaking at the university’s Manawatu¯ campus in August.

Thomas cancelled the venue booking for Brash’s planned visit, citing security and other concerns, but it was later revealed Thomas didn’t want the university to be seen endorsing racist behaviours, and she was uncomfortable with Brash’s leadership of lobby group Hobson’s Pledge.

Consulting firm Martin Jenkins reviewed the decision to cancel the event and the following fallout.

The review found Thomas did not intend to stop the event before a security threat was made and that she didn’t lie about the reasons for the cancellation.

But it said she did not fully explore alternative options, which opened the university up to criticism about the potential security threat not being genuine.

The review recommended if the university was to face similar circumstances it should thoroughly assess the threat before deciding whether to cancel the use of a venue.

‘‘This process, the criteria for the assessment, and who should provide such an assessment should be part of a formal university policy,’’ the report read.

It also recommended the university get clear guidance about who should provide advice on communications, which could include external advice, in events like this.

Brash found the report’s findings ‘‘profoundly disappointing’’.

‘‘It’s a document that seems to whitewash what the vicechancellor did and to my mind the behaviour at the time was disgraceful by the vice-chancellor.

‘‘Does the vice-chancellor believe in free speech or not? That’s the profound and fundamental question.’’

Brash, who wasn’t contacted for the review, thought the report would have expressed concern about the way things were handled.

‘‘The independent review was wide-ranging and has provided us with clear recommendations about how we can better manage risks and communicate,’’ university chancellor Michael Ahie said in a statement yesterday.

‘‘I have confidence in the vicechancellor and her management team’s ability to implement these recommendations.’’