Massey University received almost universal criticism and derision after they cancelled a political society meeting that Don Brash was scheduled to speak at. It was widely seen as an attack on free speech, with some saying it was proof of a slippery slope for free speech.
Brash got far more publicity than he would received at Massey, and he gets a chance to be in the spotlight at Auckland University tonight. He was booked to participate in a debate long before the Molynuex & Southern and Massey furores arose.
Coincidentally and ironically, tonight’s debate is on “Has PC culture gone too far to the point of limiting freedom of speech?”
Freedom of Speech Public Debate
Freedom of speech is a value which is fundamental to New Zealand society. But at what point should we prevent speech which is offensive, bigoted, hurtful or that we disagree with? Has PC culture gone too far to the point where it is limiting freedom of speech?
The University of Auckland Debating Society is proud to present the inaugural Think Big Debate – a debate series which will explore the big issues in New Zealand Society. The inaugural Think Big Debate is going to examine whether PC culture has gone too far and is limiting freedom of speech.
Don Brash (of the Free Speech coalition) and Elliot Ikilei (Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party) will affirm the motion and Fran O’Sullivan (Head of Business at the New Zealand Herald) and Simon Wilson (Senior Writer at the New Zealand Herald) will negate the motion.
They will each be joined by two of the university’s top debaters. With Freedom of Speech in the headlines both in New Zealand and overseas you won’t want to miss this event.
Absolutely everyone is welcome at this public debate. Check out the Facebook event for more information.
‘De-platformed’ is a new word for me. In this case it has backfired and turned into upping Brash’s platform.
Stuff: Don Brash free speech debate in Auckland booms on back of Massey’s ban
Massey University’s ban on Don Brash making a speech on its Palmerston North campus has proved a boon for rival Auckland University.
Double the number of people expected to attend Brash’s Auckland appearance have now registered since Massey axed Brash and ignited another free speech debate.
The controversy has been a marketing gift for the otherwise low key Auckland function organised by the university’s debate society.
There is planned protest: Students and Staff to protest Don Brash speaking at University of Auckland
A New University has organised a public protest opposing the inclusion of Don Brash in a University of Auckland Debating Society event to be held on campus on Thursday 9th August at 6.00pm in the Owen G Glenn building.
“Brash’s haste to come to the defense of far-right ideologues Lauren Southern and Stefan Molyneux shows his commitment to the right to spread hate speech with no consideration of the consequences for those targeted by racial abuse and discrimination.
“Universities are legislatively bound to act as the ‘critic and conscience of society’. Condemning any platform for hate speech is a rare opportunity for the University community to fulfil this crucial role.
“The University of Auckland equity policy acknowledges the distinct status of MÄori as tangata whenua and is committed to partnerships that acknowledge the principles of the Treaty. Hosting Brash directly contravenes equity principles and the protection of students and staff from discrimination.
“A New University calls on University of Auckland management to follow through on its equity policy and strategic plan emphasis on promoting MÄori presence and participation in all aspects of University life.
“A New University joins the struggle of those at Massey University in refusing to accommodate hatred, bigotry and racism in their institutions. Universities must uphold the principles of Te Tiriti and ensure the safety of students and staff on campus.
There does not seem to be an obvious Maori participant in the debate, but that may be addressed froom four of “the university’s top debaters” who are as yet unnamed.
UPDATE:
Up-platformed and live.
Reviewing comments
Things have changed markedly here over the pasty year or so, especially recently. Your NZ used to chug away quietly with quite quiet comments threads. There’s more interest in joining in now, which is great.
I want it to be as open and inviting to commenting here as possible, I see freedom of speech as important. I’ve experienced some awful forums where abuse and bullying prevails far too much. I want discussion to be able to be robust but not be repellent.
Alongside freedom to speak here is a responsibility to be fair to others, and there’s a responsibility to stay within the law.
I push boundaries at times, and I know how easy it is to get a bit lax in off the cuff comments.
Something I need to do here is be up front and open about what I’m doing.
I’ve had a phone call from Matthew Blomfield, and he expressed concern about some comments here that he feels are unfair and not factual. I’m open to anyone raising issues here and I’ll provide anyone with a reasonable right of reply.And I’m open to anyone being to have their say as long as it fits within standards.
As Matthew is currently involved in legal action he is limited to what he can say publicly. So I asked him to detail any specific concerns and send them to me, which he has. I think he has a fair point with some of them at least.
I’m going to go through them and edit comments when I think it’s appropriate. I’ll do this openly and make it clear when I’ve done it. I have a responsibility to do this fairly.
It can be illegal to make false accusations. It’s unfair to make accusations that can’t be backed by any evidence.
I’m open to anyone who thinks they have been unfairly spoken against to ask me to consider editing it. I want to keep editing to a minimum so co-operation would be appreciated.
I ask that you keep the personal insults and abuse out of it here, and stick to opinion unless you can back up what you say with facts.
One of my primary aims here is to allow the addition of facts that will help the understanding of any relevant issue. This works for any side of an argument.
Matthew has agreed to supply me with information that I think is pertinent to things that have been discussed here, when that becomes available. As long as it’s fact based I’m happy to do that.
No matter what interest anyone has with any issue you are welcome to submit it here for posting.
And I hope you still feel free to rip into discussion here – within reason and within the law.
I’d like Your NZ to be different, where anyone feels comfortable and unthreatened contributing here no matter what their political or social leanings are.
More input and more facts and evidence will improve debate here and it would also improve our politics and democracy generally if practiced more by others.
Pete George
Posted by Pete George on 17th June 2015
https://yournz.org/2015/06/17/reviewing-comments/