Uni sees red over spiky issue of free speech claim
Reporter NEWCASTLE University and its Students’ Union have been slammed for creating a “hostile environment to free speech”.
The criticism comes in the ‘Free Speech University Rankings’ produced by the online magazine Spiked.
It examines the policies and actions of universities and students’ unions for examples of what its compilers believe are examples of the suppression of freedom of speech or expression.
They are then ranked in a traffic-light system, as red, amber or green, in terms of how restrictive Spiked believes them to be.
In this year’s report it said: “Newcastle University and Newcastle University Students’ Union collectively create a hostile environment for free speech.
“The university, which has maintained its Red ranking, bans ‘transphobic propaganda’ and reserves the right to ban speakers whose ‘aims and objectives’ are deemed ‘incompatible’ with that of the university.
“The students’ union, which has maintained its Red ranking, also bans transphobic propaganda, offensive fancy dress, payday-loans ads and beauty pageants.”
After getting an ‘amber’ mark in the first report four years ago, Newcastle University and the Students’ Union appeared to fall foul of Spiked after 2015 when it banned people from dressing up as Caitlyn Jenner, a trans woman, in a ‘mocking way.’
A Newcastle University spokesperson said: “We continue to be highly sceptical about the methodology of this ranking and there have never been any speakers banned from campus.
“The university has been given a red ranking based on our zero tolerance policy to transphobic propaganda and an amber ranking for our policy for external speakers.
“This is disappointing because Newcastle University welcomes many visitors from around the world to speak at various events throughout the year. Freedom of speech is an important part of academic life.
“We strive to ensure that we promote freedom of speech for our students, staff and visiting speakers. We are committed to academic freedom and ensuring that academic staff and students have the freedom within the law to question and test received wisdom, and to put forward, and engage with, new ideas and controversial or unpopular opinions.”
Ronnie Reed, president of Newcastle University Students’ Union added: “Newcastle University Students’ Union is an organisation which positively encourages free speech, expression and the challenging of ideas on a daily basis through our many democratic processes.
“We totally reject the assertion that we halt free speech, and instead remain committed to empowering our students in every way we can.”
The survey ranked 115 UK universities. Durham, Northumbria, Sunderland and Teesside universities were all given an amber ranking.