Newcastle – A defence of free speech: no ifs, no buts – by Dennis Hayes
Elon Musk has been derided for saying he is a ‘free speech absolutist’. Most discussions of free speech start with the statement that free speech ‘is not an absolute’. We are constantly told that we must only uphold free speech ‘within the law’.
During a recent debate in parliament on the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act, the Chair of the Education Committee, Helen Hayes (no relation), asked Bridget Phillipson (Secretary of State for Education) to “ensure that universities and students are absolutely clear about the limits to free speech” (15 January).
No sooner is ‘free speech’ mentioned before it is drowned out by ‘buts’. In this talk, Dennis Hayes, the director of Academics For Academic Freedom, will present an uncompromising defence of free speech, no ifs, no buts.
About Dennis
Hayes is emeritus professor of education at the University of Derby and a visiting professor at the University of Buckingham. He is the founder and director of the campaign group Academics For Academic Freedom (AFAF).
Dennis is the author and editor of many books, including The McDonaldization of Higher Education and a follow-up work Beyond McDonaldization: visions of higher education. In 2008, he co-authored, with Kathryn Ecclestone, the controversial and bestselling book, The Dangerous Rise of Therapeutic Education, which has been described as ‘one of the most important books to have been written in at least the last 20 years in that crucial area where philosophy, policy and practice coincide’. It was re-issued in February 2019 in the Routledge Education Classic Editions series with a new introduction. His latest book, The Death of Academic Freedom? Free speech and censorship on campus, will also be published by Routledge in 2025.
Follow Dennis on X/Twitter: @ProfDHayes
Come and join the discussion
You are warmly invited to join us at Liberty House, 48 Westgate Road, Newcastle, NE1 1TT (near Central Station), for our next meeting on 27 February 2025 at 7:00pm.
Attendance is free but booking is essential – please book your place here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-speech-no-ifs-no-buts-tickets-1222143326589