Massey Complaint Tests Academic Freedom Rules

Andrew Curtis talks with Steph Martin of the Free Speech Union about a complaint lodged against a distinguished Massey University professor over views expressed in a blog written three years ago, touching on research funding, mātauranga and māori issues. Martin questions the suspicious timing of the complaint, lodged just days after a new vice-chancellor announced a major leadership restructure and strategic plan.

Martin argues universities exist as "marketplaces of ideas" where academics must be free to challenge orthodoxy as part of their "critic and conscience" role, rather than prioritising student "safety" from controversial ideas. She highlights that Massey's 2023 academic freedom policy is contradictory and overdue for review, allowing complainants to cherry-pick clauses to suit their case, and points to new legislation requiring universities to commit formally to academic freedom following Free Speech Union campaigning ([www.fsu.nz](https://www.fsu.nz)).

Tune into Thoughts & Comments from 10:00am - 2:00pm on the Rhema Media App.

For more from the show, visit the Thoughts & Comments page at rhema.co.nz.

Produced using AI tools under human supervision.

Support Rhema: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=rhema&utm_source=omnystudio&utm_medium=link

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.