University lesson in free speech

It is a sad reflection on university life that calls for diversity and inclusivity do not extend to views that reside outside of a predictable norm. Free thinking on campus largely has been replaced by an unwelcome authoritarianism and demand for conformity. Protesting against things you don’t agree with is a healthy form of self-expression that should be encouraged. But attempting to stop others from holding an opposing view is a cancer that has led to a debilitating and all-pervasive cancel culture.

Federal Education Minister Alan Tudge is right to consider stepping in with an attempt to make overzealous guardians of what they believe to be “correct thought” reflect on their actions. One of Mr Tudge’s options is for student unions to face the loss of funding if they act to cancel alternative viewpoints and limit free speech. Student groups would be tied to the model code on academic free speech. University administrators would have the power to deny student unions compulsory student activity fees if they broke the code.

The issue has come to a head because the Australian National University’s student union has banned the Australian Defence Force from setting up a stall at a university market day. Defence officials are not welcome lest they contravene the student union’s policy not to support “militarism”. Generations of Diggers who fought to defend the nation’s right to freedom are being disrespected by the move. The student union also barred a pro-life group. To be clear, all students are entitled to their views but should not be free to control the thoughts of others. It is another test of university leadership that free speech and academic freedom be allowed to flourish, regardless of the discomfort it may cause those in positions of power.

An Institute of Public Affairs-backed student group has tested the point and had a refreshing win before the Queensland Human Rights Commission. IPA campus co-ordinator Chris Dekker says the decision “sets a precedent for all student associations at Australian universities that they cannot ban and censor organisations” they don’t agree with. University administrators have an example to set. They must embrace academic freedom publicly and insist that student unions get out of the safe space and into the playground of dangerous ideas.