Motion
- Motion title
- Racist activity on campus and free speech
- Session
- 2018-2019
- Meeting link
- HE conference
- Meeting date
- 26 May 2019
- Status
- Passed
- Motion
- HE21
- Motion text
Conference has observed the alarming increase of far-right, racist activity on campus including incidents at Exeter, Nottingham and Lancaster. It is also noteworthy that university management has been slow to act in challenging such behaviours. This equivocation normalises the paradigmatic shift being pursued by the Alt-Right characterised by anti-migrant sentiment and pro-free-market ideals.
Conference notes the deliberate conflation of hate-speech and free-speech which has serious implications for the wellbeing of black students and staff who feel trapped by the rhetoric surrounding the 'hostile environment' policy and the 'prevent' initiative leaving many workers fearful of speaking out.
Conference resolves to:
1. work with local activists to challenge the growth of far-right activity on campus
2. establish clear guidelines for members on free speech on campus
3. compile a list of far-right groups and activities to arm members/branches in their campaigning work.
- Proposing body
- Black members' standing committee (BMSC)
- Amended
- No
- Allocated to
- Higher education committee (HEC)
- Notes
Administrative info
- Listing reference
- 2019/H/05-26/197/HE21