August 07, 2018
Brash speak too dangerous for Massey
Brash speak too dangerous for Massey
Massey University has cancelled tomorrow's planned speech by former National Party leader and Hobson’s Pledge founder Don Brash.
Dr Brash had been invited by the Politics Club to talk about the National Party, but the club got cold feet after threats on social media.
Vice chancellor Jan Thomas says the university considered providing additional security, but decided the risk of harm to students, staff and members of the public was too great, particularly at time of heightened tension over the issues around free speech and hate speech.
Dr Brash was prominent in recent weeks a supporter of right-wing Canadian speakers Lauren Southern and Stefan Molyneux, whose gig in Auckland last night was cancelled at short notice.
Professor Thomas says she supports free speech on campus, but totally opposes hate speech.
She says the views expressed by members of Hobson’s Pledge about Māori seats on councils come dangerously close to hate speech.
Those views are not conducive with the University’ strategy of recognising the values of a Tiriti o Waitangi-led organisation.
Professor Thomas says the Politics Club members are free to meet Dr Brash at another venue if they wish.
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