The University states that it has strong principles regarding freedom of speech, and these are supported by the available documentation. The limits on its policy, regarding those events which break the law or draw people into terrorism, are perfectly justifiable and good. The Student’s Association also claims that the pro-choice position simply informs the Association's position and speaks of an environment where everyone is respected. And yet, this has not been extended to the pro-life society.
UPDATE 2021: Upon reapplication in the autumn of 2020, the Edinburgh Life Society was affiliated to the Students' Union. This has been reflected in an updated mark.
UPDATE 2021: Upon reapplication in the autumn of 2020, the Edinburgh Life Society was affiliated to the Students' Union. This has been reflected in an updated mark.
The University of Edinburgh’s current ‘Equality and Diversity Strategy’ has guiding principles that “promote a positive culture for working and studying to which every student and member of staff contributes.” As part of this, “all members of the community treat each other with respect, regardless of race... or beliefs.” Moreover, “freedom of expression within the law is central to the concept of a university. To this end, the University will foster a culture which permits freedom of thought and expression within a framework of mutual respect.”
The University quote their ‘Dignity and Respect Policy’ in relation to whether students are permitted to express pro-life convictions, stating that the purpose of the policy is to “foster a positive culture for working and studying which supports freedom of thought and expression within the law, and within a framework of respect for the rights of other people.” Furthermore, it is also there to “promote an enabling and inclusive environment where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, free from bullying, harassment and discrimination.”
Their policy on Speakers and Events confirms that “the University recognizes and upholds the fundamental importance of freedom of thought and expression and does not seek to restrict this fundamental freedom”. The only exception to this is those events which may break the law, “breach the University’s statutory duties – including the need to prevent people being drawn into terrorism – and/or will pose a demonstrable and significant risk to the wellbeing of students, staff or visitors.” At these events, they “may require that certain conditions are met, or, in exceptional circumstances, it may refuse to allow the event to go ahead.”
The University also confirmed that they participated in the Freedom of Speech in Universities inquiry and directed to their written and oral evidence. In this, their principle recommits how in Edinburgh “the commitment to freedom of speech is very clear.” Furthermore, the University of Edinburgh states it has a long history and tradition regarding people expressing controversial views – and “that tradition is alive and well, and you have very distinguished people, some of whom are on our staff and some who are not, expressing views which other people find surprising and controversial, on religious, political, scientific and intellectual matters.”
The University quote their ‘Dignity and Respect Policy’ in relation to whether students are permitted to express pro-life convictions, stating that the purpose of the policy is to “foster a positive culture for working and studying which supports freedom of thought and expression within the law, and within a framework of respect for the rights of other people.” Furthermore, it is also there to “promote an enabling and inclusive environment where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, free from bullying, harassment and discrimination.”
Their policy on Speakers and Events confirms that “the University recognizes and upholds the fundamental importance of freedom of thought and expression and does not seek to restrict this fundamental freedom”. The only exception to this is those events which may break the law, “breach the University’s statutory duties – including the need to prevent people being drawn into terrorism – and/or will pose a demonstrable and significant risk to the wellbeing of students, staff or visitors.” At these events, they “may require that certain conditions are met, or, in exceptional circumstances, it may refuse to allow the event to go ahead.”
The University also confirmed that they participated in the Freedom of Speech in Universities inquiry and directed to their written and oral evidence. In this, their principle recommits how in Edinburgh “the commitment to freedom of speech is very clear.” Furthermore, the University of Edinburgh states it has a long history and tradition regarding people expressing controversial views – and “that tradition is alive and well, and you have very distinguished people, some of whom are on our staff and some who are not, expressing views which other people find surprising and controversial, on religious, political, scientific and intellectual matters.”
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“It is a real shame that the Edinburgh University Students’ Union, which claims to represent all students, has not let us affiliate with them. We represent a philosophical and scientific view, held by millions of people in the world, that tries to protect the weakest members of society: the unborn, the ill, and the elderly. It is very important that young people are exposed to a range of different views, and the shutting down of anyone who disagrees with the ‘established position’ does a disservice to the education of our students. We will continue to fight for the rights of the unborn, the real health of women, and the dignity of all human lives. Our job would be made easier if the students’ association respected the right to free speech of its members, but we will not let any inconvenience deter us from our conviction: that every life is important, from conception to natural death.”
Josep Member of the Edinburgh Pro-Life Society 2020 |
The University also confirmed that the Student Union has a pro-choice policy before stating that it was a different entity. However, the Vice President of Edinburgh University Student Association from 2017-2018, Kai O’Doherty also responded. In the response, Kai stated that, while the Students’ Association “does have a pro-choice stance... This does not mandate students to hold a particular belief, but instead informs the Students’ Association’s stance as an organisation.”
Furthermore, Kai confirmed that the Students’ Association “does not have an official ‘no platform’ policy”, and there is a Safe Space Policy which aims to “create an environment in which all students, staff and visitors feel welcome, respected, and able to fully participate in our events and activities.”
Unfortunately, it appears that these rights did not extend to Life Society Edinburgh in the 2018/ 2019 academic year. A society since 2009, the life society were seeking re-affiliation after an administrative error. Their application was refused, and the society banned from affiliation. Edinburgh Life Society are still pursuing affiliation.
UPDATE 2021: Upon reapplication in the autumn of 2020, the Edinburgh Life Society was affiliated to the Students' Union. This has been reflected in an updated mark.
Furthermore, Kai confirmed that the Students’ Association “does not have an official ‘no platform’ policy”, and there is a Safe Space Policy which aims to “create an environment in which all students, staff and visitors feel welcome, respected, and able to fully participate in our events and activities.”
Unfortunately, it appears that these rights did not extend to Life Society Edinburgh in the 2018/ 2019 academic year. A society since 2009, the life society were seeking re-affiliation after an administrative error. Their application was refused, and the society banned from affiliation. Edinburgh Life Society are still pursuing affiliation.
UPDATE 2021: Upon reapplication in the autumn of 2020, the Edinburgh Life Society was affiliated to the Students' Union. This has been reflected in an updated mark.
[1] Supporting the Right to Choose: https://www.eusa.ed.ac.uk/pageassets/eusapolicy/external/Supporting-the-right-to-choose.pdf
Supporting the Scottish Irish Abortion Rights Campaign (expenditure request): https://www.eusa.ed.ac.uk/pageassets/eusapolicy/welfare/Supporting-the-Scottish-Irish-Abortion-Rights-Campaign-expenditure-request.pdf
Supporting the Scottish Irish Abortion Rights Campaign (expenditure request): https://www.eusa.ed.ac.uk/pageassets/eusapolicy/welfare/Supporting-the-Scottish-Irish-Abortion-Rights-Campaign-expenditure-request.pdf