Prof Brian Cox criticises ‘nonsensical’ university speaking bans
by John Plunkett, Guardian:
The BBC’s best-known science presenter, Prof Brian Cox, has criticised the “growing intolerance” of no-platform speaking bans at universities and colleges, describing them as “nonsensical”.
The Wonders of the Universe presenter also attacked the “deeply flawed … national conversation” which he said meant people were unwilling or unable to change their minds on issues such as the European Union.
The “no platforming” policy of the National Union of Students, which allows it to block certain individuals or organisations from speaking at their events, has drawn criticism from both the political left and right.
Cox, who lectures at the University of Manchester, told the new issue of Radio Times: “I suppose they’re trying to build a less aggressive space, which I understand – modern discourse is polarised.
“But university is supposed to be a place where civilised debate takes place. If not in the university, then where do you debate the most difficult questions? So, I disagree very profoundly with the idea that there’s such a thing as a safe space intellectually at a university. It’s nonsensical to me.
“The point of university is to build an intellectual armoury. You should expect that you’re not going be abused by a shouting loudmouth – you wouldn’t want modern political discourse to be brought off Twitter and into the student union. I understand why they don’t want that and they’re right not to want that.
“But it’s not difficult to build a debate. That’s the basis of liberal democracy. We understand that. That’s why there are lines in the House of Commons greater than two swords’ length apart, right? We’ve worked that out.”
The NUS has said the policy, backed by the majority of its students, allowed free speech without intimidation.
Related Posts
Tags
Share This
