ChristopherWhite.info

Asking the NUS whether the events on Channel 4’s Shipwrecked - contestant Lucy Buchanan changing her racist views after a few exchanges with the other contestants - undermine their “No-Platform” policy somewhat, they replied with this:

Ruqayyah Collector, NUS Black Student’s[1] Officer said:
“NUS’ No Platform policy states that racists and fascists should not be provided with an opportunity to speak to an audience at any NUS event, and that no member of the National Executive Committee will share a public platform with a racist or fascist.

What this policy does is to take a proactive stance against racism and fascism, ensuring that all of our members are treated equally and not subjected to verbal abuse on the basis of their race, religion or ethnic origin at any of our events.

This does not mean we would not challenge racism in any other way or in any other context - we have a dedicated anti-racism and anti-fascism committee to do just that. What is does mean is that we are not giving racist organisations more legitimacy, exposure or air-time by allowing them to speak at our events, nor will we allow them to promote views which could be deeply upsetting and offensive to attendees.

NUS has a duty to provide environments free from discrimination for those who attend our events, and that is why we continue to hold a No Platform Policy.”

That’s not really answering the question, but I’ll take it as a No.

[1] No, I’ve no idea why there’s an officer to represent one black student.

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