FREEDOM OF SPEECH

Southland Times, Issue 22378, 18 July 1934, Page 6

FREEDOM OF SPEECH

STAFF OF UNIVERSITIES. DEBATE BY COLLEGE COUNCIL. (Per United Press Association.) Auckland, July 17. Alter a full debate the Auckland University College Council rejected by eight votes to four a motion by Mr W. H. Cocker that the council should withdraw the approval given by it two years ago to a memorandum issued to the college staff by the then president, Sir George Fowlds, upon the responsibilities attached to academic freedom of speech and writing. Mr Cocker read extracts from the memorandum, taking particularly exception to two sentences. “True humility of mind brought about by learning is a definite check upon intellectual arrogance engendered by a little knowledge. I regard recognition by members of the staff on the responsibilities referred to in this memorandum as a matter of' vital importance, and as being intimately related to the question of fitness for tenure of a university post memorandum,” continued Mr Cocker. It superficially expressed support for academic freedom, but it was nevertheless objectionable. It attempted to preclude a member of the staff from giving an opinion upon any matter except in a balanced statement. This was impracticable, except in the classroom. Mr Cocker went on to argue that University teachers were entitled to exactly the same right of free speech as other members of the public, provided they kept within the bounds of the law. After other members had expressed their views, the president remarked that the memorandum had been the declaration of his predecessor’s firm determination to uphold the, right of academic freedom of thought and speech. He was sure the council did not wish to withdraw its endorsement in the memorandum. He had appealed to teachers to remember the responsibility entailed in holding an academic appointment.