A mini-me McCarthy
UNIVERSITIES should be places where people can speak out without fear of being shut down. Right? And how we sneer when student unions undermine the precious principle of free speech by “noplatforming” speakers whose views they can’t stick. But it cuts both ways which means politicians have no business interfering in the syllabuses of our universities either.
So what was Chris Heaton-Harris, the Eurosceptic Conservative MP for Daventry thinking of? Earlier this month – using House of Commonsheaded writing paper – he wrote to the vice-chancellors of Britain’s universities asking for the names of professors involved in teaching about Brexit.
It makes no difference whether you voted Leave or Remain to see that what he did was simply not on. The letter, which is a hideous hodgepodge of hand-rubbing emollience, asks for “the names of professors at your establishment who are involved in the teaching of European affairs with particular reference to Brexit. Furthermore, if I could be provided with a copy of the syllabus and links to the online lectures which relate to this area I would be much obliged.”
Both oily and slightly sinister. Asking others to name names. To inform. We all know where that can lead. And, incidentally, what sort of tech-averse nitwit can’t even download a syllabus by himself?
Some said that the rush to label Heaton-Harris’s action as McCarthyite was hysterical but without wishing to big up a not-very-important junior whip, it is leaning that way. American Senator Joseph McCarthy’s antiCommunist purges in the 1950s were monstrous because they destroyed individuals merely for their political opinions.
They didn’t focus only on the film and entertainment industry either. American academics were in the line of fire, targeted simply for their views. Back to the present. Jo Johnson, the universities minister, said the MP’s letter should not have been sent, but that it was part of an “academic enquiry” most likely for a book.
REALLY? If it was for a book he should have said so and he shouldn’t have used House of Commons paper. It’s blindingly obvious it was to identify the lecturers who were not prepared to be cheerleaders for Brexit. And why, if they support Remain, should they have to be? It is a free country. If you’re going to champion free speech then you have to champion it for everyone, not only the people you agree with.
Chris Heaton-Harris should withdraw his ridiculous letter. I’m sure his constituents in Daventry would agree he has better things to do than play at being a mini-me Senator McCarthy.