A student debate featuring two BNP politicians has been cancelled amid fears of violence
Durham Union Society (DUS) abandoned plans for a multiculturalism debate after urgent talks with police. The Unite Against Fascism (UAF) group had vowed to stop the event, and DUS president Anna Birley said the National Union of Students (NUS) planned to send coachloads of students into Durham, putting them between the rival groups.
She said she was confident the debate would have been intelligent, responsible and an opportunity for students to challenge offensive views; and was disappointed the focus had become the threatened confrontation outside.
Simon Assas, from the UAF, called it a victory for common sense and for people who wanted to stand up against racism and fascism. He said a Jewish student had reported a changed atmosphere on campus since the debate was announced. However, a BNP spokesman said the enemies of free speech had won the day and that students would not like the “book-burners of the UAF dictating what they can and cannot listen to”.
Police said they did not ask for the debate to be cancelled.
Many students are angry it has been called off. A Facebook group called Durham University Students for Freedom of Speech quickly gained more than 1,900 members. Co-founder Paul Nicholls called for a peaceful protest against what he said was the NUS betrayal of students outside the chamber on the day the debate would have been held.
NUS president Wes Streeting said the NUS believed there was no place on university campuses for the BNP; and that the idea the NUS, rather than the BNP, had caused a welfare and public order issue was preposterous.
University registrar Carolyn Fowler said the university was not prepared to provide an occasion for extremist groups to engage in provocative and intimidating demonstrations, and that it supported the DUS decision. The debate was due to take place this Friday. Speakers were to be Kulveer Ranger, an advisor to Boris Johnson, Conservative MP Edward Leigh, BNP MEP Andrew Brons and Chris Beverley, a BNP councillor in Leeds.
Northern Echo
Showing posts with label NUS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NUS. Show all posts
February 06, 2010
November 28, 2007
Exeter University student ban on extremists
Exeter University students have voted to ban extremist groups from their campus. The "no platform" policy includes the extreme right wing British National Party and will last for three years.
Members of Exeter University's Students' Guild voted for the policy at their general meeting.
John Cox, welfare and equal opportunities officer, said: "As a union, we have a responsibility to ensure the safety of all of our members and provide a safe space for them to study. A student recently came to me in tears. They thought their institution was a safe space where the possible threat of fascism and racism didn't exist. This student wasn't the first with grave concerns, and most definitely was not the last.
"So the motion got written with an idea in mind: Union means unity, diversity shouldn't mean division. After the meeting, students came up to me expressing their relief that the motion had passed, and were all saying the same thing: we're glad we're safe. We're glad our friends are safe. We wouldn't invite them into our home and neither would we do it here."
Exeter students previously had a "balanced" platform policy, which meant those invited to meetings classed as unacceptable by the National Union of Students had to be given permission in an extraordinary general meeting.
There are more than 1,400 international students at Exeter and 100 members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transexual society.
Exeter Express and Echo
Members of Exeter University's Students' Guild voted for the policy at their general meeting.
John Cox, welfare and equal opportunities officer, said: "As a union, we have a responsibility to ensure the safety of all of our members and provide a safe space for them to study. A student recently came to me in tears. They thought their institution was a safe space where the possible threat of fascism and racism didn't exist. This student wasn't the first with grave concerns, and most definitely was not the last.
"So the motion got written with an idea in mind: Union means unity, diversity shouldn't mean division. After the meeting, students came up to me expressing their relief that the motion had passed, and were all saying the same thing: we're glad we're safe. We're glad our friends are safe. We wouldn't invite them into our home and neither would we do it here."
Exeter students previously had a "balanced" platform policy, which meant those invited to meetings classed as unacceptable by the National Union of Students had to be given permission in an extraordinary general meeting.
There are more than 1,400 international students at Exeter and 100 members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transexual society.
Exeter Express and Echo
Labels:
British National Party,
Exeter University,
NUS
November 20, 2007
Debate condemnation sparks a hostile reaction from BNP
YUSU has chosen to support the NUS in its condemnation of the Oxford Union Debating Society’s invitations to British National Party leader Nick Griffin and discredited historian David Irving. The decision was met with strong criticism from the BNP, who described the affair as “farcical”.
The Oxford Union Debating Society, famed for its controversial speakers such as disgraced former US President Richard Nixon and political activist Malcolm X, has invited Griffin and Irving to its ‘Freedom of Speech’ debate on November 26. The NUS swiftly condemned the announcement and encouraged affiliated unions to follow suit.
BNP Press Officer Simon Darby said: “Who do these small unrepresentative student unions think they are to tell other students who they can and cannot listen to? It’s ridiculous. To accuse us of being fascist and then prevent a political party from speaking is pretty ironic. In a free country you can’t stop somebody’s opinion.”
YUSU Racial Equality Officer Michael Batula defended the decision to write to Oxford Union denouncing its choice of speakers. He said: “I have nothing against freedom of speech”. Their letter describes the BNP as “a scourge on the contemporary, progressive, multicultural British society”, and claims that they “openly voice anachronistic and racist ideology.” It also calls Irving, who was recently imprisoned in Austria for Holocaust denial, and Griffin “obsolescent, bigoted, racist fascists.”
Batula and co-officer Ishmael Norris were initially asked by the NUS to sign a petition against the invitations. The letter, says Batula, “was purely our idea. Then we sought backing from YUSU Senate to get the support of the whole University. It is signed by the two of us, and was sent on behalf of YUSU, but we would have written it on our own behalf anyway. It was good to have the backing of the Union; it’s strength in numbers.”
The NUS also issued their own statement: “Freedom of speech is often cited as a reason to afford a platform to racists and fascists.” It also states that: “Our primary concern is the safety of our members” and claims “whenever the BNP is active in an area the number of racist attacks increases.”
Darby dimissed the accusation, and said that the NUS has an inherent problem with the party. “It’s like a Pavlovian response from the NUS – as soon as they hear BNP, they react. It’s a psychological illness,” he said.
According to Batula, around 25 students’ unions have written to criticise the Oxford Union. The society’s President, Luke Tryl, issued a letter in response to press coverage of the controversy. He reiterates that the debate is to “challenge and attack their views in a head to head manner.”
The coverage and criticism has, as yet, had no impact on Oxford Union’s decision to invite the speakers. Darby said Griffin still plans to attend the debate. He said: “We’re still unaware of whether the invitation is still open. If it is, then Nick will certainly go.”
NOUSE
The Oxford Union Debating Society, famed for its controversial speakers such as disgraced former US President Richard Nixon and political activist Malcolm X, has invited Griffin and Irving to its ‘Freedom of Speech’ debate on November 26. The NUS swiftly condemned the announcement and encouraged affiliated unions to follow suit.
BNP Press Officer Simon Darby said: “Who do these small unrepresentative student unions think they are to tell other students who they can and cannot listen to? It’s ridiculous. To accuse us of being fascist and then prevent a political party from speaking is pretty ironic. In a free country you can’t stop somebody’s opinion.”
YUSU Racial Equality Officer Michael Batula defended the decision to write to Oxford Union denouncing its choice of speakers. He said: “I have nothing against freedom of speech”. Their letter describes the BNP as “a scourge on the contemporary, progressive, multicultural British society”, and claims that they “openly voice anachronistic and racist ideology.” It also calls Irving, who was recently imprisoned in Austria for Holocaust denial, and Griffin “obsolescent, bigoted, racist fascists.”
Batula and co-officer Ishmael Norris were initially asked by the NUS to sign a petition against the invitations. The letter, says Batula, “was purely our idea. Then we sought backing from YUSU Senate to get the support of the whole University. It is signed by the two of us, and was sent on behalf of YUSU, but we would have written it on our own behalf anyway. It was good to have the backing of the Union; it’s strength in numbers.”
The NUS also issued their own statement: “Freedom of speech is often cited as a reason to afford a platform to racists and fascists.” It also states that: “Our primary concern is the safety of our members” and claims “whenever the BNP is active in an area the number of racist attacks increases.”
Darby dimissed the accusation, and said that the NUS has an inherent problem with the party. “It’s like a Pavlovian response from the NUS – as soon as they hear BNP, they react. It’s a psychological illness,” he said.
According to Batula, around 25 students’ unions have written to criticise the Oxford Union. The society’s President, Luke Tryl, issued a letter in response to press coverage of the controversy. He reiterates that the debate is to “challenge and attack their views in a head to head manner.”
The coverage and criticism has, as yet, had no impact on Oxford Union’s decision to invite the speakers. Darby said Griffin still plans to attend the debate. He said: “We’re still unaware of whether the invitation is still open. If it is, then Nick will certainly go.”
NOUSE
Labels:
BNP,
David Irving,
Nick Griffin,
NUS,
Oxford Union Debating Society,
YUSU
October 13, 2007
Fascists have no place in Oxford
Unite Against Fascism has learnt that Oxford Union debating society has invited Fascist BNP leader Nick Griffin and convicted Holocaust denier David Irving to a debate on 'Freedom of Speech' on 26 November. UAF understands they both have been confirmed for this 'debate'.
Wherever fascists have a presence, violence and intimidation increases. Fascists stand against the principles of freedom of speech and as history shows, they destroy all opposition by physically annihilating entire people and ending all freedoms. They represent a real threat to people in Oxford. This is why, as in the past, the National Union of Students and Unite Against Fascism have joined forces to stop this event from taking place by calling on Oxford Union to reverse its decision to invite Griffin and Irving.
Gemma Tumelty, NUS President said: "The Holocaust denier, David Irving and leader of the fascist BNP, Nick Griffin have no place in our multicultural society. NUS utterly opposes racism and fascism wherever it arises and will certainly oppose any attempt by Oxford Union to invite Irving and Griffin to speak.
"The pair's racist, anti-Semitic, homophobic and Islamophobic views threaten the safety of our diverse university communities. For example, wherever the BNP is active, racist attacks and other hate crimes increase.
"With freedom of speech comes the responsibility not to abuse it. All students have a right to learn in an environment free from discrimination or harassment. It is unacceptable to expose students and staff to the possibility of attacks and to give a platform of academic respectability to Griffin and Irving. We will certainly be active in a campaigning to ensure that they are not given a platform."
Unite Against Fascism Joint Secretary Weyman Bennett said: "Fascist organisations such as the British National Party, are not normal political parties and should not be treated as such. Many leading BNP members have convictions for violent offences including bombings.
"Fascism stands for the annihilation of entire communities and the complete destruction of freedom of speech, democracy and human rights. The BNP denies the Nazi Holocaust and calls for an 'all white Britain' which could only be achieved through murderous violence.
"The infamous images of fascist students burning books shortly after Hitler's ascent to power should serve to remind us, both that our campuses are not immune from fascist ideas, and that fascism is itself the complete antithesis of reason, logic and rational debate.
"Millions were murdered in the Holocaust, not because their arguments weren't good enough, but because those who could have stopped fascism under-estimated the threat that it represented. Many thought its flaws so obvious they could easily be exposed. Once allowed a foothold fascism unleashed its campaign of violence and terror. If we can learn from the mistakes of the past we will not be forced to repeat them."
UAF
Wherever fascists have a presence, violence and intimidation increases. Fascists stand against the principles of freedom of speech and as history shows, they destroy all opposition by physically annihilating entire people and ending all freedoms. They represent a real threat to people in Oxford. This is why, as in the past, the National Union of Students and Unite Against Fascism have joined forces to stop this event from taking place by calling on Oxford Union to reverse its decision to invite Griffin and Irving.
Gemma Tumelty, NUS President said: "The Holocaust denier, David Irving and leader of the fascist BNP, Nick Griffin have no place in our multicultural society. NUS utterly opposes racism and fascism wherever it arises and will certainly oppose any attempt by Oxford Union to invite Irving and Griffin to speak.
"The pair's racist, anti-Semitic, homophobic and Islamophobic views threaten the safety of our diverse university communities. For example, wherever the BNP is active, racist attacks and other hate crimes increase.
"With freedom of speech comes the responsibility not to abuse it. All students have a right to learn in an environment free from discrimination or harassment. It is unacceptable to expose students and staff to the possibility of attacks and to give a platform of academic respectability to Griffin and Irving. We will certainly be active in a campaigning to ensure that they are not given a platform."
Unite Against Fascism Joint Secretary Weyman Bennett said: "Fascist organisations such as the British National Party, are not normal political parties and should not be treated as such. Many leading BNP members have convictions for violent offences including bombings.
"Fascism stands for the annihilation of entire communities and the complete destruction of freedom of speech, democracy and human rights. The BNP denies the Nazi Holocaust and calls for an 'all white Britain' which could only be achieved through murderous violence.
"The infamous images of fascist students burning books shortly after Hitler's ascent to power should serve to remind us, both that our campuses are not immune from fascist ideas, and that fascism is itself the complete antithesis of reason, logic and rational debate.
"Millions were murdered in the Holocaust, not because their arguments weren't good enough, but because those who could have stopped fascism under-estimated the threat that it represented. Many thought its flaws so obvious they could easily be exposed. Once allowed a foothold fascism unleashed its campaign of violence and terror. If we can learn from the mistakes of the past we will not be forced to repeat them."
UAF
Labels:
BNP,
David Irving,
Holocaust-denier,
Nick Griffin,
NUS,
Oxford Union,
UAF
June 14, 2007
Lancaster BNP's Chris Hill gets all over-excited at eviction
Eviction from Lancaster University student's SCAM forum, that is!
A couple of years ago, a bunch of Lancaster University students got together to form an online alternative to the worthy but dull Students' Union newspaper Scan, and eventually came up with a forum which they named SCAM. Everything you might expect to find on it is there - discussions on politics, courses, uni life, music, lust, gossip, booze and so on. All the things in fact, in which one would expect students to show an interest.
As expected before long, someone recently asked the question 'Should the BNP be allowed on Campus?' The usual arguments were aired - 'it's a legitimate political party', 'no platform', 'allow a platform then shoot their arguments down', 'they're not welcome on campus' and so on.
The NUS has a very clear 'no platform' policy regarding fascists, generally followed by the Uni and Lancaster University Students' Union (LUSU) except when corporate crooks want to use the facilities, and Scam appears to actively adhere to this policy. So when Lancaster BNP's Chris Hill, who is a grad student, posted in the 'Should the BNP be allowed on Campus?' thread, the forum administrator acted in a way that would make any anti-fascist (in the NUS or not) proud - immediate deletion of all Hill's posts followed by this unequivocal statement:
'As owner of this website I wish to inform Chris Hill that he is specifically not authorised to post messages on this forum, under his own name or otherwise, and that for him to cause this server to carry out the operations required to post a message will therefore be an offence under the Computer Misuse Act 1990.
I would further like to inform him that any such messages he posts will be deleted. Now being aware of this, should he continue to post he should take note that the actions he knows I will take will cause me annoyance and inconvenience. Therefore, posting in this knowledge and to this purpose would be an offence under Section 43 of the Telecommunications Act 1984.
Chris Hill may like to remember that it is not necessary for him to be prosecuted for any law breaking to affect him. The University will doubtless wish to avoid their systems being used for acts which are of questionable legality and may reconsider their provision of services to him in this event.
To everyone else: don’t encourage him, don’t debate him, don’t take actions that support him. Ultimately, this is a privately run site and I’ll not have my money going to spread the message of the BNP.'
Bravo to the site admin/s, whoever he, she or they may be. But Chris Hill has taken great exception to being denied a platform to spread his lies and the BNP's racist filth.
Over on his third-rate blog, he has descended into the usual barrage of abuse that the BNP always indulges itself in when denied a space to preach, throwing the word 'fascism' about with reckless abandon, droning on about his 'right to reply' and free speech (something the BNP denies on many of its own sites - the Chairman's own blog and that of the party's Press Officer to name but two).
This is what Hill had to say:
'Fascism (of the left wing sort that is) is alive and thriving on campus at Lancaster University. The National student union organisation has, for a long time now, had a far left slant to its ruling body. A policy called no platform, which basically allows it to deny free speech to anyone they disagree with, has been introduced by some student unions, although not yet by LUSU (Lancaster University's Student Union)...This is of course the only action these left wing fascist can take when faced with reasoned debate, because they know they would lose in a free and open discussion of policies. Today the local student internet discussion forum removed my right of reply to postings made on its site...The no platform policy is supposed to apply to fascists; the irony is they are the very people who impose it...Can I assure the people running Lancaster’s SCAM forum, your fascist censorship will not in any way stop, or hinder, the growth of the British National Party in Lancaster...'
Quite why Hill imagines the BNP is growing in Lancaster is beyond any rational human. As the graph here plainly shows, the BNP's presence in Lancaster is rapidly waning and, pending another Margaret Hodge stupidity, will continue to do so. However, that's all beside the point. As a commentor points out on Hill's blog; 'It's not just the left who hate the BNP. The right don't like them either...'[and the] student body at large regards a chunk of its manifesto to be gravely offensive...prospective students (be they black, white, purple, blue or green) would be put off Lancaster University if they knew that there was an active BNP group.'
Hill's response is atypically BNP. 'As for the activities of a group on campus putting potential students off coming to Lancaster to study, don’t you think that the potential students might be put off knowing they are not allowed free political association on campus, which by the way is guaranteed by the human rights act.'
Which, for what it's worth, the BNP doesn't and wouldn't under any circumstances subscribe to, although naturally they're prepared to make use of it when it suits them.
Hill then states his case on four sections of BNP policy; race, immigration, homosexual rights and Islam.
On race: 'We do not want to see the mongrelisation of any race...'
Which clearly means that he is opposed to mixed-race relationships, diversity and a multi-cultural society.
On immigration: '...along with the vast majority of British people I would stop all immigration tomorrow.'
Obviously not true or Nick Griffin would have his feet tucked under the table at 10 Downing Street right now.
On homosexual rights: 'My own view is that homosexuality is a mental illness.'
My own view is that Chris Hill is a homophobic idiot who needs to get out more.
On Islam: 'This is not a religion, it’s an evil cult.'
Clearly showing that he's spent more time listening to the insane rants of Nick Griffin instead of investigating Islam through one of Lancaster's friendly mosques.
Hill then makes this strange statement; 'I hold no commission to talk for the British National Party on any issues or policies...'
Er, yes you do. You're the local BNP candidate. If you don't have a commission to talk for the party, who the hell does?
All of which goes to show that fascists believe they have a right to go anywhere and spout their ridiculous opinions, no matter who they offend in the process, that anyone who opposes them is automatically either a raving red or a fascist themselves (or preferably both) and that Chris Hill has no idea of the role a candidate plays within a political party - indicating that for all the smart suits and weasel words the BNP is no nearer to being a political party than I am to being a duck.
A couple of years ago, a bunch of Lancaster University students got together to form an online alternative to the worthy but dull Students' Union newspaper Scan, and eventually came up with a forum which they named SCAM. Everything you might expect to find on it is there - discussions on politics, courses, uni life, music, lust, gossip, booze and so on. All the things in fact, in which one would expect students to show an interest.
As expected before long, someone recently asked the question 'Should the BNP be allowed on Campus?' The usual arguments were aired - 'it's a legitimate political party', 'no platform', 'allow a platform then shoot their arguments down', 'they're not welcome on campus' and so on.
The NUS has a very clear 'no platform' policy regarding fascists, generally followed by the Uni and Lancaster University Students' Union (LUSU) except when corporate crooks want to use the facilities, and Scam appears to actively adhere to this policy. So when Lancaster BNP's Chris Hill, who is a grad student, posted in the 'Should the BNP be allowed on Campus?' thread, the forum administrator acted in a way that would make any anti-fascist (in the NUS or not) proud - immediate deletion of all Hill's posts followed by this unequivocal statement:
'As owner of this website I wish to inform Chris Hill that he is specifically not authorised to post messages on this forum, under his own name or otherwise, and that for him to cause this server to carry out the operations required to post a message will therefore be an offence under the Computer Misuse Act 1990.
I would further like to inform him that any such messages he posts will be deleted. Now being aware of this, should he continue to post he should take note that the actions he knows I will take will cause me annoyance and inconvenience. Therefore, posting in this knowledge and to this purpose would be an offence under Section 43 of the Telecommunications Act 1984.
Chris Hill may like to remember that it is not necessary for him to be prosecuted for any law breaking to affect him. The University will doubtless wish to avoid their systems being used for acts which are of questionable legality and may reconsider their provision of services to him in this event.
To everyone else: don’t encourage him, don’t debate him, don’t take actions that support him. Ultimately, this is a privately run site and I’ll not have my money going to spread the message of the BNP.'
Bravo to the site admin/s, whoever he, she or they may be. But Chris Hill has taken great exception to being denied a platform to spread his lies and the BNP's racist filth.
Over on his third-rate blog, he has descended into the usual barrage of abuse that the BNP always indulges itself in when denied a space to preach, throwing the word 'fascism' about with reckless abandon, droning on about his 'right to reply' and free speech (something the BNP denies on many of its own sites - the Chairman's own blog and that of the party's Press Officer to name but two).
This is what Hill had to say:
'Fascism (of the left wing sort that is) is alive and thriving on campus at Lancaster University. The National student union organisation has, for a long time now, had a far left slant to its ruling body. A policy called no platform, which basically allows it to deny free speech to anyone they disagree with, has been introduced by some student unions, although not yet by LUSU (Lancaster University's Student Union)...This is of course the only action these left wing fascist can take when faced with reasoned debate, because they know they would lose in a free and open discussion of policies. Today the local student internet discussion forum removed my right of reply to postings made on its site...The no platform policy is supposed to apply to fascists; the irony is they are the very people who impose it...Can I assure the people running Lancaster’s SCAM forum, your fascist censorship will not in any way stop, or hinder, the growth of the British National Party in Lancaster...'
Quite why Hill imagines the BNP is growing in Lancaster is beyond any rational human. As the graph here plainly shows, the BNP's presence in Lancaster is rapidly waning and, pending another Margaret Hodge stupidity, will continue to do so. However, that's all beside the point. As a commentor points out on Hill's blog; 'It's not just the left who hate the BNP. The right don't like them either...'[and the] student body at large regards a chunk of its manifesto to be gravely offensive...prospective students (be they black, white, purple, blue or green) would be put off Lancaster University if they knew that there was an active BNP group.'
Hill's response is atypically BNP. 'As for the activities of a group on campus putting potential students off coming to Lancaster to study, don’t you think that the potential students might be put off knowing they are not allowed free political association on campus, which by the way is guaranteed by the human rights act.'
Which, for what it's worth, the BNP doesn't and wouldn't under any circumstances subscribe to, although naturally they're prepared to make use of it when it suits them.
Hill then states his case on four sections of BNP policy; race, immigration, homosexual rights and Islam.
On race: 'We do not want to see the mongrelisation of any race...'
Which clearly means that he is opposed to mixed-race relationships, diversity and a multi-cultural society.
On immigration: '...along with the vast majority of British people I would stop all immigration tomorrow.'
Obviously not true or Nick Griffin would have his feet tucked under the table at 10 Downing Street right now.
On homosexual rights: 'My own view is that homosexuality is a mental illness.'
My own view is that Chris Hill is a homophobic idiot who needs to get out more.
On Islam: 'This is not a religion, it’s an evil cult.'
Clearly showing that he's spent more time listening to the insane rants of Nick Griffin instead of investigating Islam through one of Lancaster's friendly mosques.
Hill then makes this strange statement; 'I hold no commission to talk for the British National Party on any issues or policies...'
Er, yes you do. You're the local BNP candidate. If you don't have a commission to talk for the party, who the hell does?
All of which goes to show that fascists believe they have a right to go anywhere and spout their ridiculous opinions, no matter who they offend in the process, that anyone who opposes them is automatically either a raving red or a fascist themselves (or preferably both) and that Chris Hill has no idea of the role a candidate plays within a political party - indicating that for all the smart suits and weasel words the BNP is no nearer to being a political party than I am to being a duck.
Labels:
BNP,
Chris Hill,
fascist,
homophobia,
Lancaster Uni,
LUSU,
no platform,
NUS,
racist,
SCAM
May 10, 2007
University of Bath cancels BNP lecture after student outcry
The University of Bath has this afternoon cancelled a meeting on Monday at which the leader of the British National Party, Nick Griffin, had been invited to speak, for reasons of public safety.
The announcement comes just two days after the university insisted that the meeting should go ahead on the grounds of freedom of speech, following assurances that the event would not threaten public order.
But this afternoon, after a meeting of the university's student union which condemned the BNP and called on the university to cancel the event, the university's vice-chancellor, Professor Glynis Breakwell, and secretary, Mark Humphriss, announced the meeting would not now go ahead.
In a statement they said they had taken into account the views of staff and students about the meeting and the university's belief in freedom of speech.
They said: "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.
"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."
Nick Griffin had been invited to the university to speak next Monday by first-year politics with economics student Danny Lake, 22, the national youth leader of the BNP and a student at Bath.
The event was not planned to boost student recruitment to the BNP, according to Mr Lake, but was an opportunity for students to quiz the party about its policies.
At today's meeting, the student's union said that if the meeting went ahead it would tarnish the "good reputation of the university" and that the presence of Nick Griffin on the campus would "invade the safe space of some of its members". There was also concern that the event, which the union complained had been organised at short notice, was being used as an excuse to recruit BNP student members.
Students were also worried that the evening meeting scheduled to start at 7pm and the planned protest organised by lecturers' union the University and College Union at 5pm would disrupt exams taking place on campus at the time.
The university's student union president, Paul Jaggers, said after the student meeting: "This has been a real victory for student cohesion."
Mr Lake, who spoke at the student meeting, argued that the event should go ahead on the grounds of free speech. He said: "To a certain extent I expected this outcome from the student union meeting because it was very much that the people who were there were those who were opposed to the meeting taking place, and when somebody is against something they are more likely to turn up."
Opposition to the planned BNP meeting had grown over recent days from both the UCU and the national office of the National Union of Students.
The UCU had warned it would hold a protest demonstration if the event went ahead.
Joint general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: "It was the correct decision. Allowing the BNP to speak would have compromised the safety of students and staff and sent out a very worrying message about Bath University's commitment to diversity.
"Nothing is more important than university campuses remaining environment where staff and students are free from intimidation and the threat of violence and where they can work and study safely."
Earlier in the week the UCU had warned that allowing the meting to go ahead would cause "substantial damage" to the university's international reputation.
Even though staff and students "cherish" academic free speech they would "deplore the presence in an institution of learning of Nick Griffin and his hate-filled messages."
Guardian
Fascist BNP leader stopped from speaking at Bath University
Protest cancelled
Today the University of Bath refused permission for Nick Griffin, leader of the fascist BNP to give a lecture, which was due to take place on Monday 14th May 2007.
Local trade unions including UCU, UNISON and Amicus joined with the National Union of Students and Bath University Students Union and national anti-fascist campaign Unite Against Fascism to mount a campaign to prevent him from being allowed to speak at the university on the grounds that fascist politics pose a danger to the diversity of students and staff alike. In areas that the BNP target, such as Barking and Dagenham, racist attacks and other hate crimes increase.
The protest called by University of Bath branches of Amicus, UNISON, UCU and supported by UCU, NUS, & Unite Against Fascism against the BNP leader's presence on campus has therefore been cancelled.
Love Music Hate Racism will be holding an event, sponsored by UCU, at University of Bath to celebrate anti- racism and the diversity on campus. This event is on Monday 14th May, 7pm till 11pm at Elements, Bath University Students Union, Bath University, Bath BA2 7AY and will feature prominent DJ's and a film screening of the Love Music Hate Racism DVD ' Who shot the sheriff 'and speeches.
Sally Hunt, UCU joint general secretary said:
“We feel this is the correct decision. Allowing the BNP to speak would have compromised the safety of staff and students and sent out a very worrying message about Bath University’s commitment to diversity.
“The millions of staff and students who cherish academic freedom as a precious right still deplore the presence in an institution of learning of Nick Griffin and his hate-filled messages. Nothing is more important than university campuses remaining environments where staff and students are free from intimidation and the threat of violence, and where they can work and study safely.”
Gemma Tumelty NUS President said:
"The defeat of the BNP being allowed to spread its message of hatred from an academic institution represents a massive victory for all those who value democracy. This shows the importance of building a broad coalition between trade unionists, students, community groups and all those who oppose the BNP. The University was right to withdraw its invite to the BNP but NUS also believes it is necessary for the university to recognise the danger that fascism poses to the safety of students and all of those within the campus community. NUS will continue to campaign to ensure that fascism never gains a foothold on our campuses."
Weyman Bennett, Joint National Secretary of Unite Against Fascism said:
“The fascist BNP craves legitimacy but it is an organisation of violent thugs riddled with criminal convictions, which admires Hitler and the Nazis. Allowing its leader the legitimacy of speaking at an academic institution would only further its aims of making the politics of hatred more palatable. The racist, homophobic, Islamophobic, anti-Semitic politics of the BNP pose a danger to many of the staff and students who make up the diversity of the university. This was the right decision by the university and the overwhelming and immediate opposition expressed to Griffin speaking is a reflection of how unacceptable he is to the majority of people.“
UAF
The announcement comes just two days after the university insisted that the meeting should go ahead on the grounds of freedom of speech, following assurances that the event would not threaten public order.
But this afternoon, after a meeting of the university's student union which condemned the BNP and called on the university to cancel the event, the university's vice-chancellor, Professor Glynis Breakwell, and secretary, Mark Humphriss, announced the meeting would not now go ahead.
In a statement they said they had taken into account the views of staff and students about the meeting and the university's belief in freedom of speech.
They said: "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.
"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."
Nick Griffin had been invited to the university to speak next Monday by first-year politics with economics student Danny Lake, 22, the national youth leader of the BNP and a student at Bath.
The event was not planned to boost student recruitment to the BNP, according to Mr Lake, but was an opportunity for students to quiz the party about its policies.
At today's meeting, the student's union said that if the meeting went ahead it would tarnish the "good reputation of the university" and that the presence of Nick Griffin on the campus would "invade the safe space of some of its members". There was also concern that the event, which the union complained had been organised at short notice, was being used as an excuse to recruit BNP student members.
Students were also worried that the evening meeting scheduled to start at 7pm and the planned protest organised by lecturers' union the University and College Union at 5pm would disrupt exams taking place on campus at the time.
The university's student union president, Paul Jaggers, said after the student meeting: "This has been a real victory for student cohesion."
Mr Lake, who spoke at the student meeting, argued that the event should go ahead on the grounds of free speech. He said: "To a certain extent I expected this outcome from the student union meeting because it was very much that the people who were there were those who were opposed to the meeting taking place, and when somebody is against something they are more likely to turn up."
Opposition to the planned BNP meeting had grown over recent days from both the UCU and the national office of the National Union of Students.
The UCU had warned it would hold a protest demonstration if the event went ahead.
Joint general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: "It was the correct decision. Allowing the BNP to speak would have compromised the safety of students and staff and sent out a very worrying message about Bath University's commitment to diversity.
"Nothing is more important than university campuses remaining environment where staff and students are free from intimidation and the threat of violence and where they can work and study safely."
Earlier in the week the UCU had warned that allowing the meting to go ahead would cause "substantial damage" to the university's international reputation.
Even though staff and students "cherish" academic free speech they would "deplore the presence in an institution of learning of Nick Griffin and his hate-filled messages."
Guardian
Fascist BNP leader stopped from speaking at Bath University
Protest cancelled
Today the University of Bath refused permission for Nick Griffin, leader of the fascist BNP to give a lecture, which was due to take place on Monday 14th May 2007.
Local trade unions including UCU, UNISON and Amicus joined with the National Union of Students and Bath University Students Union and national anti-fascist campaign Unite Against Fascism to mount a campaign to prevent him from being allowed to speak at the university on the grounds that fascist politics pose a danger to the diversity of students and staff alike. In areas that the BNP target, such as Barking and Dagenham, racist attacks and other hate crimes increase.
The protest called by University of Bath branches of Amicus, UNISON, UCU and supported by UCU, NUS, & Unite Against Fascism against the BNP leader's presence on campus has therefore been cancelled.
Love Music Hate Racism will be holding an event, sponsored by UCU, at University of Bath to celebrate anti- racism and the diversity on campus. This event is on Monday 14th May, 7pm till 11pm at Elements, Bath University Students Union, Bath University, Bath BA2 7AY and will feature prominent DJ's and a film screening of the Love Music Hate Racism DVD ' Who shot the sheriff 'and speeches.
Sally Hunt, UCU joint general secretary said:
“We feel this is the correct decision. Allowing the BNP to speak would have compromised the safety of staff and students and sent out a very worrying message about Bath University’s commitment to diversity.
“The millions of staff and students who cherish academic freedom as a precious right still deplore the presence in an institution of learning of Nick Griffin and his hate-filled messages. Nothing is more important than university campuses remaining environments where staff and students are free from intimidation and the threat of violence, and where they can work and study safely.”
Gemma Tumelty NUS President said:
"The defeat of the BNP being allowed to spread its message of hatred from an academic institution represents a massive victory for all those who value democracy. This shows the importance of building a broad coalition between trade unionists, students, community groups and all those who oppose the BNP. The University was right to withdraw its invite to the BNP but NUS also believes it is necessary for the university to recognise the danger that fascism poses to the safety of students and all of those within the campus community. NUS will continue to campaign to ensure that fascism never gains a foothold on our campuses."
Weyman Bennett, Joint National Secretary of Unite Against Fascism said:
“The fascist BNP craves legitimacy but it is an organisation of violent thugs riddled with criminal convictions, which admires Hitler and the Nazis. Allowing its leader the legitimacy of speaking at an academic institution would only further its aims of making the politics of hatred more palatable. The racist, homophobic, Islamophobic, anti-Semitic politics of the BNP pose a danger to many of the staff and students who make up the diversity of the university. This was the right decision by the university and the overwhelming and immediate opposition expressed to Griffin speaking is a reflection of how unacceptable he is to the majority of people.“
UAF
Labels:
BNP,
Danny Lake,
fascist,
Griffin,
NUS,
UAF,
UCU,
University of Bath
May 03, 2007
NUS: Students have a right and responsibility to vote
In the run-up to the elections held across the UK tomorrow, I have been campaigning on the street and on the doorstep to ensure that the votes of students are heard at the polls, says Gemma Tumelty, president of the National Union of Students.
Young people and students have a major part to play in these local elections, in spite of those who would curtail their democratic rights.
We heard comments this week from a Liverpool councillor who suggested that students, because they only spend "a bit of time" in Liverpool, should not be allowed a vote in the local elections.
Students walk along the same streets, use the same public transport, and suffer the same exposure to crime as other local people. Many students live and work in the vicinity of their university, and are involved in their local communities through voluntary work and activism. Surely they, just as much as any other resident, are entitled to a say in their local area?
At a time when we should be engaging students in the political process rather than seeking to exclude them, these comments set an awful example. Local politicians' time would surely be better spent urging students to oppose the British National Party's electoral campaign in Liverpool.
The BNP are fielding 750 candidates across the Scottish parliamentary elections, Welsh assembly, English and Scottish local elections. The BNP already hold 49 local council seats in England, and its share of the vote has increased more than 75-fold in the last six years.
This party's past successes have depended on voter apathy, perceived failures in improving local services, poverty, social housing and unemployment. Yet history shows how dangerous it is to underestimate the ability of far-right candidates to prey upon these fears and to blame genuine concerns on immigration and race.
Last week, I visited Auschwitz-Birkenau with the Holocaust Education Trust. Just 60 years since the liberation of the Nazi death camps, we risk forgetting the lessons learnt so painfully by so many.
Compared with the scale of that horror it is important to keep a sense of perspective about our local elections, and yet fascism in the 1930s began with small steps.
This week, students along with many other people in the UK will have the chance to make a difference in the local elections and to oppose the extreme right. We can, and we must, use our democratic voice to stop the BNP from poisoning our society.
Guardian
Young people and students have a major part to play in these local elections, in spite of those who would curtail their democratic rights.
We heard comments this week from a Liverpool councillor who suggested that students, because they only spend "a bit of time" in Liverpool, should not be allowed a vote in the local elections.
Students walk along the same streets, use the same public transport, and suffer the same exposure to crime as other local people. Many students live and work in the vicinity of their university, and are involved in their local communities through voluntary work and activism. Surely they, just as much as any other resident, are entitled to a say in their local area?
At a time when we should be engaging students in the political process rather than seeking to exclude them, these comments set an awful example. Local politicians' time would surely be better spent urging students to oppose the British National Party's electoral campaign in Liverpool.
The BNP are fielding 750 candidates across the Scottish parliamentary elections, Welsh assembly, English and Scottish local elections. The BNP already hold 49 local council seats in England, and its share of the vote has increased more than 75-fold in the last six years.
This party's past successes have depended on voter apathy, perceived failures in improving local services, poverty, social housing and unemployment. Yet history shows how dangerous it is to underestimate the ability of far-right candidates to prey upon these fears and to blame genuine concerns on immigration and race.
Last week, I visited Auschwitz-Birkenau with the Holocaust Education Trust. Just 60 years since the liberation of the Nazi death camps, we risk forgetting the lessons learnt so painfully by so many.
Compared with the scale of that horror it is important to keep a sense of perspective about our local elections, and yet fascism in the 1930s began with small steps.
This week, students along with many other people in the UK will have the chance to make a difference in the local elections and to oppose the extreme right. We can, and we must, use our democratic voice to stop the BNP from poisoning our society.
Guardian
Labels:
Auschwitz-Birkenau,
BNP,
democracy,
far-right,
Gemma Tumelty,
Holocaust,
NUS,
students
May 02, 2007
Outcry as students invite BNP leader to campus
Students at the University of Bath have invited BNP leader Nick Griffin on to campus to speak to staff and the student body.
The controversial politician is hoping to address an audience at the university as part of a tour of the south west in mid-May. The university is currently debating if the talk should go ahead.
Speaking exclusively to the Chronicle, Mr Griffin said: "I'm scheduled to be in the area between May 13 and 16 but I know some students are in discussion with the university authorities as to the date. What I talk on will depend on whether students are interested in the BNP or the freedom of speech issue and how much opposition there is. Usually when a group of students is interested in me speaking, it is later cancelled. If it does go ahead there comes a point when having lecturers jumping up and down means the talk has to end up being about freedom of speech rather than specific policies."
John Perry, assistant general secretary of the Bath branch of the University and College Union, said news of the proposed visit had sparked an outcry among academic staff.
"The university's secretariat was due to decide yesterday but the decision must have been deferred as they have been bombarded with letters from staff saying they don't want him here. We want to challenge his ideas and policies and don't think the university is a particularly good venue for him as we want to encourage diversity among our students and staff. If Griffin is permitted to come to the university, UCU will organise the strongest public demonstration possible on the campus. We will be calling for all those who support the freedom to think to mobilise against those who brutally hate and divide."
But the university's student body said it did not follow the National Union of Students in banning those who hold extremist views from speaking. The union's vice-president of communications, Peter Yu, said: "Bath University Students' Union (BUSU) currently does not have a no-platform policy. As a result, we are not acting directly against Nick Griffin coming to speak at the university."
Mr Yu said the union was willing to give advice to those students planning to organise a peaceful protest against Mr Griffin and the BNP, but would not be taking part in the protest itself.
This is Bath
The controversial politician is hoping to address an audience at the university as part of a tour of the south west in mid-May. The university is currently debating if the talk should go ahead.
Speaking exclusively to the Chronicle, Mr Griffin said: "I'm scheduled to be in the area between May 13 and 16 but I know some students are in discussion with the university authorities as to the date. What I talk on will depend on whether students are interested in the BNP or the freedom of speech issue and how much opposition there is. Usually when a group of students is interested in me speaking, it is later cancelled. If it does go ahead there comes a point when having lecturers jumping up and down means the talk has to end up being about freedom of speech rather than specific policies."
John Perry, assistant general secretary of the Bath branch of the University and College Union, said news of the proposed visit had sparked an outcry among academic staff.
"The university's secretariat was due to decide yesterday but the decision must have been deferred as they have been bombarded with letters from staff saying they don't want him here. We want to challenge his ideas and policies and don't think the university is a particularly good venue for him as we want to encourage diversity among our students and staff. If Griffin is permitted to come to the university, UCU will organise the strongest public demonstration possible on the campus. We will be calling for all those who support the freedom to think to mobilise against those who brutally hate and divide."
But the university's student body said it did not follow the National Union of Students in banning those who hold extremist views from speaking. The union's vice-president of communications, Peter Yu, said: "Bath University Students' Union (BUSU) currently does not have a no-platform policy. As a result, we are not acting directly against Nick Griffin coming to speak at the university."
Mr Yu said the union was willing to give advice to those students planning to organise a peaceful protest against Mr Griffin and the BNP, but would not be taking part in the protest itself.
This is Bath
Labels:
BNP,
Griffin,
nazi,
no-platform,
NUS,
students' union,
University of Bath
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
