This follows the postponement of a panel discussion on this topic that was to be held on 29 April, but which was postponed to provide time to ensure the discussion includes a cross-section of balanced and representative views and takes place in a setting that supports listening and engagement.
‘The role of universities in supporting freedom of speech’ event will take place on Tuesday 28 May and will be run in two halves to more effectively include a wider span of voices on this important topic.
To accommodate the increased number of invited speakers—which includes the partial panel of people whose names were originally published and additional new perspectives—more time is being allocated for the event. This will allow interviewed participants in the first half to put their views forward separately from the academic commentary that will follow. The event will now run for two hours from 3.30 pm on 28 May.
The event will be held in lecture theatres on the University’s Kelburn campus, with some participants appearing in person and some, who are not in Wellington, being interviewed live on Zoom.
The first part, in interview format, will enable advocates and commentators with differing perspectives to share their experiences and thoughts. This lineup includes:
- Anjum Rahman—Project Founder Inclusive Aotearoa Collective
- Professor Lynda Johnston—Rainbow community advocate and founding member of Hamilton Pride
- Morgan Godfery—Māori political commentator and VUW senior law lecturer
- Dr John Byron—Australian university free speech policy advocate and former student leader
- Jonathan Ayling—Chief Executive Free Speech Union
The second part will be a panel discussion with academics who will be sharing their reflections of the first discussion, considering the implications for universities and exploring how we can more constructively hold challenging conversations for the benefit of society. This lineup includes:
- Emeritus Professor Jane Kelsey—University of Auckland
- Professor Khylee Quince—Dean of Law AUT
- Dr Michael Johnston—Senior Fellow NZ Initiative and former Associate Dean, Education - Victoria University of Wellington
- Professor Nicole Moreham—Law - Victoria University of Wellington
- Professor Richard Arnold—Mathematics and Statistics - Victoria University of Wellington
Both discussions will be faciliated by RNZ Morning Report presenter Corin Dann.
There will be a livestream option to watch the event online.
We know there is genuine interest across the University community in discussing this topic, and we are looking forward to hosting this event.