Nick Griffin of the BNP was due to speak at Bath University, but due to threats and the university not being able to ensure safety at the event, this will now not be happening. A shame as universities have been a place where speakers of all views can go, put their arguement across and debate with the public.
Their arguement(this is Nick Griffin's in this case) but that of any speaker stands or falls based on how good their points are. But it would seem that in 2007, the bookburners of the left have now crushed free speech in the UK. I am sure that the irony of this is lost on them.
No doubt they will see this as some sort of victory against the fascists, this is not the case. We have all lost. If someone is unable to speak for violence, or the fear of violence then the whole of society loses.
They should remember the past, that over sixty years ago another group of socialists locked up and silenced those who disagreed with them, burned their books and led their nation to a path of genocide and mass murder. The National Union Of Students has also played their part in stamping out Free Speech in a place of learning, they and all who made the threats should hang their heads in shame
"The University took the decision on 3 May, under its Code of Practice relating to Meetings on University Premises, that one of its students might organise an event on 14 May to be addressed by Mr Nick Griffin, Leader of the British National Party. This was subject to certain conditions being met by the student organiser and to the University continuing to be satisfied that the event would not present significant public order issues or transgress the boundaries of lawful speech.
"Not surprisingly, a very substantial number of people, within and beyond the University, have expressed their views about the proposed event over the past few days. Many of these have argued passionately against the event taking place, but a substantial minority have argued strongly in favour of it proceeding. Notably, as well as strong opposition from some of the University’s staff, the Students’ Union has voted to ask the University to refuse permission for the event. In addition, some staff and students have registered with us their serious concerns for their safety if this event proceeds, as well as fears of disruption to examinations given the likely scale of protests on the day.
"These considerations do need to be balanced against the need to hear and challenge a variety of opinions in an institution committed to high quality learning and research. Freedom of speech is a principle to be highly cherished by academic institutions. Indeed, our regulations require that the University does not so far as is reasonably practicable deny any premises of the University to any individual or body of persons on any grounds connected with the beliefs or views of that individual or of that body; or the policy or objectives of that body. The University has, however, now learned that a very large number of protesters intend to arrive on campus. This creates the likelihood of substantial public order problems and real possibility of disruption of the essential activities of the University community, making it impractical for the University to allow the event to go ahead.
"In the light of all these considerations the University has decided to refuse permission for the event to take place.
"Professor Glynis Breakwell, Vice-Chancellor, Mark Humphriss, University Secretary"
Mob rule 1 - rule of law 0
cross posted at: http://my.telegraph.co.uk/fidothedog/
Tags: Nick Griffin
BNP
Bath University
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