Universities and free speech

It would seem that Massey University is not alone in its efforts to suppress free speech. Review proceeding.

In the autumn edition of Auckland University’s Alumni magazine Ingenio, language professor Stephen May described Hobson’s Pledge as ‘‘racist and militantly anti-Maori.’’

Only when a letter from Hobson’s Pledge lawyer stated that the statement was untrue and defamatory and implied the possibility of legal action did the university’s Vice Chancellor, Stuart McCutcheon answer, acknowledging that the article was ‘‘arguably defamatory and should not have been published.’’

An apology to that effect was published ‘on line’ and in the Ingenio’s spring edition.

How a group that actively works to promote equality for all can be deemed racist, whilst a group claiming ethnic privilege is not, defies logic.

The media continues promoting negative comments about Hobson’s Pledge without giving them a right of reply.

It is to be hoped that the Marxist left wing philosophies now rampant in the universities of the US and Canada do not flourish in our seats of learning.

Bryan Johnson, Omokoroa