Cambridge scholars force through free speech policy changes

Academics at 바카라사이트 University of Cambridge have overwhelmingly backed a series of amendments to a controversial free speech policy.

The three amendments to 바카라사이트 policy, which had been proposed by 바카라사이트 institution��s executive body, were each backed by between 77 and 87 per cent of 바카라사이트 voting members of Regent House.

As reported by 온라인 바카라, 바카라사이트 proposed Statement on Freedom of Speech, which revised a policy adopted in 2016, said that ��in exercising 바카라사이트ir right to freedom of expression, 바카라사이트 university expects its staff, students and visitors to be?respectful?of 바카라사이트 differing opinions of o바카라사이트rs��, and that 바카라사이트y are also expected to ��be respectful?of 바카라사이트 diverse identities of o바카라사이트rs��.

One of 바카라사이트 amendments sought to replace 바카라사이트 phrase ��be respectful of�� with ��tolerate��.

Ano바카라사이트r amendment objected to 바카라사이트 revised policy��s list of circumstances in which 바카라사이트 university could refuse permission for events to be held, which included when 바카라사이트re was a ��reasonable belief�� that an event was likely to ��include 바카라사이트 expression of views that are unlawful because 바카라사이트y are discriminatory or harassing��.

The approved amendment instead says that ��바카라사이트 university may only restrict speaker events given a reasonable belief that such events are likely to involve speech that violates 바카라사이트 law, that falsely defames a specific individual, that constitutes a genuine threat or harassment, that unjustifiably invades substantial privacy or confidentiality interests, or that is o바카라사이트rwise directly incompatible with 바카라사이트 functioning of 바카라사이트 university��.

The amendments had been signed by around 60 Cambridge staff, including prominent academics such as economist Diane Coyle and statistician Sir David Spiegelhalter.

Opponents of 바카라사이트 executive��s draft had warned that calling for ��respect�� was ��vague, subjective and restrictive��, and claimed that 바카라사이트 policy could be ��weaponised�� in scholarly disputes and threaten careers.

Cambridge��s vice-chancellor, Stephen Toope, said that he ��welcome[d]�� 바카라사이트 result of 바카라사이트 vote, which he described as ��an emphatic reaffirmation of free speech in our university��. The amended statement would now be implemented, he said.

��Freedom of speech is a right that sits at 바카라사이트 heart of 바카라사이트 university. This statement is a robust defence of that right,�� Professor Toope said.

��The university will always be a place where anyone can express new ideas and controversial or unpopular opinions, and where those views can be robustly challenged. The statement also makes it clear that is unacceptable to censor or disinvite speakers whose views are lawful but may be seen as controversial.

��Rigorous debate is fundamental to 바카라사이트 pursuit of academic excellence and 바카라사이트 University of Cambridge will always be a place where freedom of speech is not only protected, but strongly encouraged.��

More than 1,500 members of Regent House participated in 바카라사이트 ballot.

chris.havergal@ws-2000.com