THINK Debate : Freedom of Speech in an Era of Hate

How do we protect free speech in an era of hate?

The facts

Internet trolls, racist tirades, misogyny and misinformation...

It’s pretty rough out there in the sphere of public discourse and the consequences can be devastating both for individuals and for our society. But what should we do about it?

What do you think?

Should social media companies be censoring their content?

This is an area of policy that is fraught with danger.

In our third THINK debate of term, we will try to plot a way through this complex issue and we need your help in finding the answer: should hateful speech be criminalised or should it be protected?

Guest speakers

Jodie Ginsberg

Jodie Ginsberg is the Chief Executive Officer of Index on Censorship — a lobbying and advocacy group that defends freedom of expression. Ginsberg is a former journalist; prior to joining Index, Jodie worked as a foreign correspondent and business journalist and was UK Bureau Chief for Reuters news agency. She is a regular commentator in international media on freedom of expression issues.

Mark Oakley

Mark Oakley is a priest in the Church of England. He is Dean of St John's College, Cambridge, and a former residentiary canon of St Paul's Cathedral. Oakley is a Trustee of the Civil Liberties Trust (Liberty), Patron of Tell MAMA and an ambassador for Stop Hate UK. He received one of the first National Hate Crime Awards in 2016.

Free event, all welcome.

This debate will be screened at our Southend Campus: GB 2.42.

Part of the THINK Series of debates.

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