FREEDOM OF SPEECH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21449, 24 March 1933, Page 11

FREEDOM OF SPEECH

STAFFS OF UNIVERSITIES

QUESTION OF TRADITIONS

DISCUSSION IN WELLINGTON

[BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION]

WELLINGTON, Thursday

That freedom of opinion and speech is a vital principle in all university life was the view expressed by Mr. Justice Ostler at a meeting of the Victoria College Council to-night. Genuine opinions should bo allowed to be expressed, he said, unless they were definitely outside the law.

The question came under discussion by the council when printed copies of a letter from the University Teachers' Association were distributed among members. The letter, which was addressed to the university senafe and governing bodies within Iho university, concerned the question of academic freedom. A recent expression of opinion by a member of the staff of the university college, it was stated, was followed by action on the part of the Minister of • Education and the president of the college council. As public attention had been called to that action, and as it had raised feelings of disquietude in the minds of many university teachers, the association felt it should appeal to the governing bodies and senate for their co-operation as occasion might require in asserting, protecting and maintaining the right of what is generally known as academic freedom. The letter was signed by the president and secretary of the association.

Professor Hunter, commenting on the letter, said the traditions of the universities in allowing free expression of opinion should be upheld. Victoria University had fine traditions in that respect. Members of the council agreed that it was widely known that the teacher referred to at the beginning of the letter was a member of the staff of another university college. Objections were raised to the council passing a resolution on the subject, which it was stated more particularly affected a brother body. It was suggested that the letter should be received.

The whole question concerned a vital principle in university life, commented Mr. Justice Ostler, and it should not be let go without the council expressing a view on it. It would be a great mistake for the letter merely to be received. It was finally decided to leave the question to a sub-committee consisting of Mr. P. Levi, chairman of the council, Professor Hunter and Mr. Justice Ostler for consideration.