In 2018, the UK Parliament’s Joint Committee on Human Rights published a landmark report: “Freedom of Speech in Universities”. [1]
The report highlights a clear and widespread "problem of free speech" on campuses across the UK. Indeed, the report makes frequent reference to the fact that: "many of the incidents in which free speech is restricted” involved students who hold a pro-life viewpoint.
To date, no investigation or inquiry has been undertaken by the Scottish Government or Parliament. This is unacceptable and must be addressed urgently.
The Alliance of Pro-Life Students (APS) and the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) Scotland believe universities should be bastions of free speech. Universities can and should be places where students encounter differing views, question firmly held beliefs and grapple with challenging ideas.
APS and SPUC Scotland have growing concerns about the state of freedom of speech at Scottish Universities, based on the lived experience of the students we work with and the evidence contained herein. Over the past two years, we have conducted extensive research into the policies of Universities and Student Associations regarding freedom of speech. Additionally, we have conducted interviews with students around the country who have encountered discrimination and censorship. Alarmingly, Scottish students from the pro-life community are being subjected to unjust censorship at the hands of their Student Associations. Pro-life students are continually denied a space to express and defend their convictions on issues related to life ethics. The approach adopted by certain Scottish universities and Student Associations has created an environment where students refuse to engage with an opposing viewpoint – an attitude that will certainly not serve them in post-university life.
It is vital the Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament address the censorship epidemic our universities are facing. We would therefore call on the Scottish Parliament to investigate and report on censorship within Scottish Universities.
The report highlights a clear and widespread "problem of free speech" on campuses across the UK. Indeed, the report makes frequent reference to the fact that: "many of the incidents in which free speech is restricted” involved students who hold a pro-life viewpoint.
To date, no investigation or inquiry has been undertaken by the Scottish Government or Parliament. This is unacceptable and must be addressed urgently.
The Alliance of Pro-Life Students (APS) and the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) Scotland believe universities should be bastions of free speech. Universities can and should be places where students encounter differing views, question firmly held beliefs and grapple with challenging ideas.
APS and SPUC Scotland have growing concerns about the state of freedom of speech at Scottish Universities, based on the lived experience of the students we work with and the evidence contained herein. Over the past two years, we have conducted extensive research into the policies of Universities and Student Associations regarding freedom of speech. Additionally, we have conducted interviews with students around the country who have encountered discrimination and censorship. Alarmingly, Scottish students from the pro-life community are being subjected to unjust censorship at the hands of their Student Associations. Pro-life students are continually denied a space to express and defend their convictions on issues related to life ethics. The approach adopted by certain Scottish universities and Student Associations has created an environment where students refuse to engage with an opposing viewpoint – an attitude that will certainly not serve them in post-university life.
It is vital the Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament address the censorship epidemic our universities are facing. We would therefore call on the Scottish Parliament to investigate and report on censorship within Scottish Universities.
Michael Robinson
Director of Communication and Campaigns SPUC Scotland |
Margaret Akers
Student Support Director Alliance of Pro-Life Students |
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