We must encourage open debate

The revelation this week that the Langton Boys has invited conservative commentator Milo Yiannopoulos, an agent provocateur for the alternative right movement, was met with gasps of horror in some quarters of Canterbury. Critics asked how on earth the grammar school could consider entertaining someone whose views are so obviously off-colour, unfashionable and regarded by some as wholly unconscionable.

He has equated feminism with cancer, told women who felt threatened by online activity that they should simply log-off, urged Americans that only Donald Trump could save their nation and regularly promotes love of one’s own country.

The truth, however, is that in this deeply censorious age, inviting Yiannopoulos to speak is an act of bravery by the Langton.

And its defence of allowing him to speak is as intelligent as the decision to invite him in the first place.

Head teacher Matthew Baxter told this newspaper: “The Langton has always encouraged free speech and open debate. The Langton does not practise censorship, especially before an event or a speaker has even had a chance to present his or her views.

“We trust that our students will be able to use their reason to assail bad arguments and applaud sound ones.”

Free speech is the greatest freedom of all. We can only really test whether we subscribe to it by affording those with whom we most profoundly disagree or those lurking at the far edges of the conversation the opportunity to have their say.