Hopkinshoo-hah
We are told that concerned parents have joined campaigners, politicians and union officials to urge state schools not to accept any bookings by Katie Hopkins to address pupils (“Katie Hopkins’ plans to give speech at Scots schools roundly rejected by parents”, The Scotsman, 30 September).
To their eternal shame, and in clear dereliction of their academic and moral duty, too many of our universities have already banned “controversial” speakers from campuses. If university students are denied the opportunity to learn and practise the vital skill of rational argument where now will they learn it?
Have these parents, politicians and union officials so little confidence in the efficacy of rational debate to reach important conclusions? there will always be people holding challenging opinions. Some are repelled by homosexuals, think Islam vile, detest Tories or some particular race.
The answer is not banning people and opinions but rational argument: powerful, point-by-point public rebuttal. The pupils of today are the citizens of tomorrow who will be shaping this world of ours – let us give them the tools.
DOUG CLARK Muir Wood Grove, Currie