Can a controversial professor be stopped from speaking?
Students prevent a lecture by a professor with controversial views.
- They have the right to refuse to let him speak
- Protest yes, prevent no
- Unacceptable, academic freedom comes first
What's at stake: The debate pits the right to challenge speech seen as hurtful against the academic freedom to debate disturbing ideas.
The left's argument
A university needn't give a platform to ideas that deny some people's dignity.
The centre's argument
Protest or organise a counter-debate, yes; stop someone from speaking, no.
The right's argument
A university must be a place for debate, including with ideas that disturb.
And you, where do you stand?
Answer 30 situations like this one and find out where you stand, topic by topic.