When this year’s National Student Survey (NSS) results were published back in August, there was a predictable difference in interpretation between campus culture wars players over the free speech question.
For some, a national (England only) score of 86 per cent positivity on “During your studies, how free did you feel to express your ideas, opinions, and beliefs” was evidence that the entire agenda and associated legislation has been a waste of time – or at least exaggerated.
For others – like free speech bill architect Iain Mansfield – it was nothing to celebrate:
14% of students reporting they cannot speak freely is a significant problem. Just as any good employer would take 14% of staff reporting bullying, harassment and discrimination seriously… suppression of free speech / cancellation by its very nature impacts a minority of people. Those in the majority very rarely have their speech cancelled. But minority views also matter. And their freedom of speech matters.
Both in that thread and throughout the debates on free speech, the image that is invoked is that of a student that skews to the right on economic or social issues, but is cancelled by the “woke mob” or overbearing EDI work.
