Cambridge tutor: don't force me to 'respect' your views

Freddie Sayers meets Dr Arif Ahmed of Cambridge University.

For article and key quotes see here:

Over recent years, we’ve learned to pay attention to the intellectual trends and taboos on university campuses — they have a way of spilling out into mainstream corporate and political life.

Which is why the vote among the 7,000 faculty at Cambridge on a new ‘free speech policy’ matters. The results will be announced tomorrow at 5pm and will be an indication of the willingness to resist the increasing threats to free speech and academic enquiry around politically sensitive topics.

Cambridge has been in the news all year in this regard —rescinding the invitation of a visiting fellowship to Canadian academic Jordan Peterson, removing academic Noah Carl after his controversial study into race and intelligence, and subjecting a college porter to a campaign to be removed after he voted a certain way on a trans issue as a Labour local councillor.

I spoke to Dr Arif Ahmed, a Philosophy tutor and fellow on Gonville and Caius college, who has raised concerns that the inclusion of a requirement to be ‘respectful’ of people’s opinions and identities, included in the proposed free speech policy, risks legitimising future censorship. He thinks it could have been used to justify excluding Jordan Peterson, on the grounds that he has not been sufficiently respectful of certain religions, or forbidding the inclusion of the Charlie Hebdo cartoons in a course about free speech. He suggests it is replaced with the word ‘tolerate.’

Listen to the podcast version of the interview on:

[UnHerd]

UPDATE: The University of Cambridge has just announced that it has passed three amendments to its free speech policy in a landslide victory. Congratulations to Dr Ahmed and his supporters.

[chrism]

Free Speech is not a privilege it’s a right. Discernment is a gift, don’t waste it. Anyone who says free speech should be governed is fascist.

[juliawitt]

This professor rightly says that the role of a university is to engender the ability to think.... How can we think if we are prevented from hearing someone elses point of view because we might get ' upset'.... These people do not deserve a place at an institution of higher learning. Perhaps a test of EQ would be a better entrance exam than IQ.

[sarunds]

Freedom of speech and opinion must be protected. About time debate was robust again, not PC!

[grahambull]

I was taught respect is earned not demanded . Tolerance is not being offended by someone else's opinion .

[mikelmcknight]

Dr. Peterson’s actual objection was being compelled to use the pronouns by force of law. He was very clear that he would use the pronouns that seemed appropriate. He simply wanted, rightfully, to have the choice. Compelled speech is the antithesis of free speech.

[scottnewall]

What a joke these universities are becoming.

[Kenneynrg]

Shows what a failure our education system is when something that should be learned in kindergarten is an issue in university

[Elizabeth-jdmn]

We all have to respect and tolerate until its something the woke don't like then its a hate

[magenta]

If you behave well and in a fair manner you naturally earn respect. Respect is something we earn and can’t be demanded.

[jill_fisher]

Respect cannot be mandated, it has to be earned.

[Blurbblurb]

Peterson’s issue was compelled speech not Trans people.

[gallendugall]

Respect must be earned.
What they want is submission.

[DdrtAddh]

Make no mistake, this is a fight for our civilization.

[juliamacdonald]

Congratulations to Dr Ahmed and colleagues for persevering. You have given us hope for the argument for freedom of speech.

[iainrae]

Congratulations to Dr Amed and fellow Professors on a brilliant result for freedom of speech at Cambridge University.

[marcadams]

These kids are the most privileged group of individuals to have ever lived yet they are determined to be victims. It's embarrassing

Edit
Some worked very hard to be there and fair play to them.

[brittanydawn]

Respect is earned. And it is earned by behaviour, not by the 'identity' (demographic/ religion etc) of any particular person. If I can grasp this, far more intelligent academics at Cambridge can! Which suggests to me there is a political agenda behind this madness.

Great guest, thank you for getting him on!

[rumpelwurzwurst]

"I'm fed up with being told what to think."
Everyone needs to be more like this man. Don't be silent, fight back!

[brucegelman]

Well argued.Respect is a tacit endorsement.No one should be forced to do any such thing.