Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
Should universities no-platform controversial speakers?
Position‹2 of 2

No, Universities should not be able to no-platform speakers

This position holds that universities should not no-platform controversial speakers. It argues that no-platforming violates free speech, that universities exist to advance understanding not censor it, that extremism is best countered by debate, and that students should learn to handle controversy.

Supporting arguments · 4

  1. Universities are there to progress human comprehension, not censor
    "Everything we know about the world...the age of our civilization, species, planet, and universe... came as insults to the sacred dogma of the day."
  2. No-platforming controversial speakers is a violation of free speech
    Many countries in the West have laws protecting free speech. No-platforming violates those protections.
  3. Universities should not no-platform speakers because extremism is countered by debate
    Forcing views we deem unpalatable underground doesn't help us tackle them - only open debate will.
  4. Universities should not no-platform speakers because students should learn to cope with controversy
    The real world cannot be deplatformed or muted when you are uncomfortable.