Universities warn over bill aimed at campus free speech

Universities and legal experts in New Zealand say there is no need for a bill protecting free speech on campus. But the legislation’s supporters say universities can’t be trusted to uphold freedom of expression, reports John Gerritsen for RNZ.

Parliament’s Education and Workforce Select Committee has been hearing submissions on the Education and Training Amendment Bill (No 2). If passed, it would require universities to develop a freedom of expression statement and complaints procedure, and report annually on it.

The Law Society told the committee the bill created “needless complexity” because freedom of expression was already protected by law. Paul Rishworth KC said freedom of expression was of the utmost importance, but the bill was not necessary. He said academic freedom was already protected in the Education Act and the Bill of Rights protected free speech. University staff warned the bill would force universities to host speakers spreading misinformation and hate speech.
Full report on the RNZ site