UK university wants to ban students’ off-campus pro-life speech
by Kelli
Jonathan O’Connell, president at Cardiff Students for Life, said: “This motion simply cannot be allowed to pass. The university environment has long been a bastion of free speech, which the proposed motion seeks to attack. There are huge implications in enforcing a single ideology or political viewpoint across the whole student populace; not least of all it restricts students’ freedom of expression as well as directly limiting the religious freedom of certain student groups.
“Declaring the university officially pro-choice is akin to declaring the university affiliated with a single political party, which obviously in the 21st century would be totally unthinkable.”
Key clauses within the pro-choice motion include preventing “affiliated societies and groups from taking part in anti-choice protests or rallies outside of abortion clinics and under the banner of the student’s union.”
A further clause states: “Any information about abortion or contraception disseminated, distributed or presented in union or university buildings must be unbiased and not shame those who choose to have abortions, and must be academically referenced.”
~ Catholic Herald, reporting on Cardiff University’s (Wales) efforts to silence students’ off-campus freedom of speech, November 24
[Photo via paradiseintheworld.com]
Jill Stanek is a nurse turned speaker, columnist and blogger, a national figure in the effort to protect both preborn and postborn innocent human life.
“Declaring the university officially pro-choice is akin to declaring the university affiliated with a single political party, which obviously in the 21st century would be totally unthinkable.”
Don’t give them ideas.
The whole point of “Freedom of Speech” is the right of individuals and groups to persuade other persons to choose a good course of action — or avoid a bad one.
To insist that all speech must be “unbiased” and “academically referenced” means that one cannot even use the words good and bad.
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It makes sense that a Catholic university should take a pro-life position, and refuse or restrict the activities of pro-abortion groups as one would restrict any hate-group. Simply, one should not go to a private university if she is unwilling to respect the values of that institution (no Sandra Fluke-ing).
But does it make sense for a secular university to adopt a firm position, either pro-abortion or pro-life?
It seems to me that a public University has a duty to remain neutral and encourage dialogue — for any issue that is in active cultural conflict.
All pay heed: …now enters her holiness …the grand inquisitor of the inquisition …do not implore her for compassion …do not beg her for forgiveness …do not ask her for mercy.
http://vimeo.com/5080173
To insist that all speech must be “unbiased” and “academically referenced” means that one cannot even use the words “good” and “bad”. – surely not? Would it not mean that when the words good and bad are used they would be used with greater accuracy?
Doubleplus ungood.
“Declaring the university officially pro-choice is akin to declaring the university affiliated with a single political party, which obviously in the 21st century would be totally unthinkable.” – no it’s akin to being affiliated with the 21st century rather than the 19th.
“Key clauses within the pro-choice motion include preventing “affiliated societies and groups from taking part in anti-choice protests or rallies outside of abortion clinics and under the banner of the student’s union.” – that makes sense, don’t want to sully the university’s good name.
“A further clause states: “Any information about abortion or contraception disseminated, distributed or presented in union or university buildings must be unbiased and not shame those who choose to have abortions, and must be academically referenced.” – well I can see why that would make life difficult for you but it is an academic institution.
What’s next? The university employing thought police?
Sounds like that’s the situation they are trying to avoid.
“What’s next? The university employing thought police?”
Again, don’t give them ideas.
Just an update, the motion did not pass. Cardiff University remains neutral.