We are extremely disappointed that once again the screening and discussion of Adult Human Female was prevented from taking place.  This was despite repeated warnings to senior management about the hostile environment that was being created on campus by members of staff in the run up to the event.  In particular, the university’s Staff Pride Network sent multiple circular emails to hundreds of members of staff designed to inflame an already hostile environment and worsen relationships on campus.  As EAFAF we actively advocate for everyone’s right to peaceful protest and we support the holding and expression of diverse viewpoints within the university.  However we cannot accept the closing down of debate by those who will not tolerate views contrary to their own.  We are extremely concerned about the reputational risk to the University of Edinburgh to which this failure of leadership gives rise.  Senior leaders in the University have failed to uphold their legal and moral responsibility to promote and defend academic freedom.  This makes them look weak, and calls their authority into question.  We are looking forward to hearing directly from Senior Management.

We became aware on Friday morning of this statement by the Principal on the university’s website. We welcome its robust tone and the apparent commitment to action: however, words alone are not enough, and we hope prompt and decisive action will now be taken.

Adult Human Female: statement on cancellation of our event / University of Edinburgh Academics for Academic Freedom by blogadmin is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 3.0