Free speech victory! Bill to protect academic freedom passes Parliamentary vote

The Free Speech Union is thrilled that the Education and Training Amendment Bill (No 2), which it was extensively involved in, has passed its Third Reading and will become law. This is a huge victory and a pivotal moment as the Bill promises to restore free speech on university campuses and their character as institutions that protect and value rigorous debate, says Stephanie Martin, spokesperson for the Inter-University Council on Academic Freedom (IUCAF), a sub-committee of the Free Speech Union.

“A major ongoing campaign of the Free Speech Union has been against the culture of fear that many academics and students experience in New Zealand universities. Academics should not fear retribution simply for engaging in the rigorous debate, which should be a cornerstone hallmark of campus life. Academic freedom belongs to academic staff and students, not institutions.

“The Education and Training Amendment Bill (No 2) strengthens requirements on universities to protect academic freedom by ensuring they implement free speech policies, report annually on academic freedom, and refrain from adopting institutional positions on issues that just aren’t their business. They will not be allowed to deny invited speakers on the basis of their ideas or opinions.

“This bill is not about forcing certain perspectives. It’s the opposite. It ensures that all topics can be on the table, and open debate can flourish, for the benefit of all. Too often, universities fail to protect and uphold academic freedom. They now have an opportunity to rectify this.

“The Free Speech Union is immensely proud to have advocated for, and contributed to, the development of this Bill. The state of university culture has significant social ripple effects. We all suffer when speech is not free on campuses. The passing of this bill is great news for all Kiwis.”