Amos backs right to avoid ‘offensive’ talks

STUDENTS must have the right to avoid talks which offend them, the UK’S first female black university leader has said.

Universities should uphold free speech while being sensitive to the needs of students who have had “painful and difficult experiences”, according to Baroness Amos, the director of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies (Soas).

At a Higher Education Funding Council for England safeguarding conference, she said universities must create safe spaces where students felt able to discuss complex issues.

“As universities we have a responsibility towards free speech,” said Lady Amos. “We need to support difficult and robust debate ... but we also have to respect the right of students not to attend if they so wish – to attend and engage in the vast debate if they so wish.”

A spokesperson for Soas said that Lady Amos was referring to students having the right to avoid talks by guest lecturers, and that she was not encouraging students to opt out of classes and lectures that are part of their course.