Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
Should universities no-platform controversial speakers?
Position1 of 2

Yes, Universities should be able to no-platform speakers

This position holds that universities should be able to no-platform controversial speakers. It argues that universities have rights of their own, that offering a platform confers legitimacy, that some speech compromises student safety, and that true neutrality is not actually an available option.

Supporting arguments · 5

  1. Universities should be able to no-platform speakers because a platform grants legitimacy
    The best way to combat extreme ideas is to not afford them the space to spread.
  2. Universities should be able to no-platform speakers because lawmakers can no-platform
    If lawmakers are allowed to no-platform speakers, why can't universities?
  3. Universities have rights too and so should be able to no-platform speakers
    No-platforming is not really censorship. It is just individual universities choosing speakers who align with their values.
  4. Universities should no-platform speakers because controversy compromises student safety
    The issue with inflammatory speakers is that there are often violent altercations at their events. Student safety is paramount.
  5. Neutrality is not an option
    Universities need to take a definitive stance that condemn hate and all forms of discrimination and the rhetoric that is used to support it