The University stood by and refused to become involved when approached, despite the fact this was a clear violation of their policy on Equality and Diversity. The Students Association discriminated against pro-life students and only affiliated Aberdeen Life Ethics Society when faced with legal action.
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“Universities as hubs of learning and intellect should understand the need for a suitable platform for reasonable discussion - especially about topics such as abortion and euthanasia. Just because a viewpoint is a minority, that does not make it any less valid; it's time to end such discrimination on pro-life views.”
Alex Founding Member and former President of Aberdeen Life Ethics Society |
The University of Aberdeen does not have a policy regarding freedom of speech, but instead relies on its staff and students “complying with statutory requirements and the common law of libel and slander.”
When asked about whether students should be allowed to express a deeply held pro-life conviction, the University stated that it “seeks to foster a culture which permits freedom of thought and expression within a framework of mutual respect”.
The institution did not directly respond as to whether an external pro-life speaker on campus would be allowed to speak, but instead referred to its Policy on the topic. Relevant parts of this policy state that:
When asked about whether students should be allowed to express a deeply held pro-life conviction, the University stated that it “seeks to foster a culture which permits freedom of thought and expression within a framework of mutual respect”.
The institution did not directly respond as to whether an external pro-life speaker on campus would be allowed to speak, but instead referred to its Policy on the topic. Relevant parts of this policy state that:
- “The University recognises and upholds the fundamental importance of freedom of thought and expression and does not seek to restrict this fundamental freedom through this policy.”
- “Where the University, having considered the available information, believes that there is a demonstrable and serious risk that the speaker and/or those at an event may break the law, breach the University’s statutory duties, and/or will pose a demonstrable and significant risk to the wellbeing of students, staff or visitors, it may require that certain conditions are met or, in exceptional circumstances, it may refuse to allow the event to go ahead.”
The University does not have a policy on the Equality Act of 2010, but states that it is “committed to a comprehensive policy on Equality and Diversity for all its staff and students.” Any issues are the responsibility of the University Court.
However, Aberdeen University Students’ Association (AUSA) has an official pro-choice policy which was passed in November 2017 and lapses in Autumn 2020.[1] It also passed motions (NUS Motion 506: NUS supporting the Abortion Rights Campaign for free, safe and legal abortion in Ireland and Northern Ireland [April 2017],[2] AUSA Emergency Motion - Remove 40-days-of life material from campus [March 2017][3]). Within these, the Student Council resolved:
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Aberdeen Life Ethics Society (ALES) first applied to affiliate to AUSA in April 2018 and was denied affiliation due to a policy passed by The Student Council entitled "AUSA is pro-choice." This policy pledged to offer "no funding, facilitation or platform" to any pro-life group. Despite continued attempts to resolve this internally, including through the university, ALES was left with little option but to launch legal action against both AUSA and the university for breach of the Equality Act 2010 and the Human Rights Act 1998.
AUSA subsequently informed ALES that their application to affiliate as a society had been approved, and the Pro-Choice Policy suspended. However, AUSA are already attempting to amend this policy.
AUSA subsequently informed ALES that their application to affiliate as a society had been approved, and the Pro-Choice Policy suspended. However, AUSA are already attempting to amend this policy.
[1] AUSA is Pro-Choice: https://www.ausa.org.uk/resources/6045/AUSA-is-Pro-Choice/
[2]Motion 506 | NUS supporting the Abortion Rights Campaign for free, safe and
legal abortion in Ireland and Northern Ireland: https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/nusdigital/document/documents/33974/8acc38e2d61cc166c3773e46c2643919/Eleanor_Motion_To_NC.pdf
[3] Remove 40 days of life material from campus: https://www.ausa.org.uk/resources/6045/Remove-40-days-of-life-material-from-campus/
[2]Motion 506 | NUS supporting the Abortion Rights Campaign for free, safe and
legal abortion in Ireland and Northern Ireland: https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/nusdigital/document/documents/33974/8acc38e2d61cc166c3773e46c2643919/Eleanor_Motion_To_NC.pdf
[3] Remove 40 days of life material from campus: https://www.ausa.org.uk/resources/6045/Remove-40-days-of-life-material-from-campus/