University of Exeter reportedly threatened to expel a philosophy student after he was overheard in his room saying veganism is wrong and gender fluidity is “stupid”.
Robert Ivinson claimed he was formally disciplined after a student next door in his halls of residence reported his comments as offensive and “transphobic”.
Mr Ivinson told the Mail on Sunday newspaper that he was hauled before university officials and put on a “behavioural contract” for the remainder of his studies over remarks made during a private phone call to a friend.
He was later informed by letter that he had been found guilty of harassment and warned that he would be expelled if he breached any other of the university’s rules.
Neighbour complaint
In an interview with the Mail on Sunday, Mr Ivinson said the incident took place when he was in his first year of studies in 2018 and that a university representative had banged on his door to tell him a neighbour had complained.
“It was like the Stasi had come to my door.
“He stuck his foot in my door and said you’ve been saying some very offensive things.”
He then said he was hauled before a disciplinary hearing and questioned over his comments.
“The first thing they read out was that I had said veganism is wrong. I couldn’t believe it – I thought I was mishearing them.
“I asked them to repeat it three or four times because I didn’t believe I was sitting there for saying that veganism is wrong.”
“It hurts me that in this country freedom of speech can now mean so little. It’s shocking that a Russell Group university can act this way”‘
‘Eavesdroppers rewarded’
He said he apologised to the officials for the disturbance but maintained his right to speak freely in his own room. “I was totally private apart from that someone heard me through a brick wall.”
University of Exeter has been approached for comment.
Edward Skidelsky, director of the Committee for Academic Freedom, said: “It’s extraordinary that in 21st-century Britain eavesdroppers can be rewarded, and a student punished for remarks made to a friend in the privacy of his room.”
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
