Think Talk: Freedom of Expression
Professor Peter Hunter will discuss the tension universities face between their duty to uphold free, open debate—even on controversial topics—and their responsibility to protect the wellbeing of staff and students in an era of increasing concern about hate speech.
-
Tue 03 Mar
- $5.00 incl. GST
Please note there is NO refund or transfer if you cancel less than 5 working days in advance of a class starting. Our refund policy can be read in full here.
Description
Think Talk: Freedom of Expression
Tuesday 3 March 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Peter Hunter established the Auckland Bioengineering Institute at the University of Auckland and was its Director from 2001 to 2023. He is Chair of the Senate Working group on Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression.
He will outline the context and purpose of a newly agreed university statement on Freedom of Expression. Universities have a Government mandated role as a ‘critic and conscience’ of society. The public expects universities to be places where (sometimes controversial) ideas are freely and fearlessly debated and it can be argued that progress in liberal democratic societies over the last five centuries has benefitted from open and constructive debate on any topic. The rise of so-called ‘hate speech’, fueled by the anonymity of social media, has, however, led to an increasing demand for some speech to be suppressed on the grounds that some groups, particularly vulnerable minorities, can be unreasonably offended. Universities have to balance an expectation for open debate with concern for the welfare of staff and students. This talk will discuss these issues and present the background to a newly agreed statement on Freedom of Expression.
Peter Hunter is a Professor of Bioengineering a the University of AucklandEstablished the Auckland Bioengineering Institute at the University of Auckland and was its Director from 2001 to 2023. Chair of the Senate Working group on Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression
Please register for this talk so we can plan seating for the expected numbers. A small donation on arrival at the door is appreciated.
