Lisa Roberts is an expert on back pain, chairs a Department of Education investigation into the spiking of student drinks and, in the time she has left, makes a handy £458,000 as Vice Chancellor of Exeter University, a member of the prestigious Russell Group.
I wonder if it’s possible Ms Roberts would give up a tiny amount of her busy schedule and break her silence to publicly explain why her university threatened to expel philosophy student Robert Ivinson after he was heard on the phone, through the brick walls of his own room, saying ‘’veganism was wrong’’ and ‘’gender fluidity was stupid.’’
Robert was eavesdropped by a girl student in the next room in the halls of residence they shared. The girl, who has not been named, reported his comments as offensive and transphobic.
In an interview with the Mail on Sunday, Robert said the incident took place when he was in the first year of studies in 2018 and that a university representative had banged on his door to tell him a neighbour had complained.
Robert Ivinson said the incident took place in his first year in 2018
GB News
Robert, who is now taking his Masters at the university, said it was ‘’like the Stasi had come to my door’’. I’m sure it was. He went on: ‘’ He stuck his foot in my door and said you’ve been saying some very offensive things.’’
Next thing he knew he was hauled before a disciplinary hearing and questioned over his comments which were made to a friend over the phone. Being generous, Robert who is 6ft 5ins, said he has a deep voice which can travel.
But listen to this. The first ‘’crime’’ they read out was that he had said veganism was wrong. As he says himself: ‘’I couldn’t believe it. I thought I was mishearing them.’’
He asked his inquisitors three times to repeat the allegation. He said he apologised for the disturbance, but maintained the right to speak freely in his own room. A very good point.
That was not accepted by the university court and he was found ‘’guilty’’ and was put on a ‘’behavioural contract’’ for the remainder of his studies over the remarks. And told he would be expelled if he breached any other university rules.
He was hauled before a disciplinary hearing at the University of Exeter and questioned over his comments
Flickr
Robert decided to keep quiet until now as he thought any publicity might lead to him being kicked out. Now he as the support of Committee of Academic Freedom, who makes sure faculties don’t curb free speech, he feels bold enough to speak out.
Since the row has blown up, Exeter University, hasn’t said a word. Why not? Ms Roberts wasn’t the Vice-Chancellor when Robert was first disciplined, but even allowing for that since she has been ‘’in post’’ for four years now, she must believe in free speech and I would be grateful if she would say so publicly.
The other person I would like to hear from is the girl who eavesdropped on the phone conversation. I would be fascinated to know why she felt it appropriate to go to the university authorities.
Clearly, she disagreed with Robert’s views, but couldn’t she just have shrugged her shoulders and said that is the price of a free speech.
Did she realise Robert could be booted out and was that her main motivation? Surely not. I would also be interested to know what she has made of her own life since leaving college.
What kind of job would most suit that lady who would now be in her mid-20s? A union official? A member of Angela Rayner’s inner circle? The local council definitely. And something in HR is a definite possibility.
Certainly, students who believe in free speech, whether from the Right or Left, should give Exeter a wide birth until Ms Roberts or her chums give a detailed explanation of their actions against Robert.
Although Sir Keir Starmer plays the patriotic card at every turn, clearly his supporters haven’t received the email with one in eight Labour voters believing the St George’s Cross is ‘’racist and divisive’’ and should not be displayed.
The poll was taken on the even of tomorrow’s St George’s Day. Imagine a good percentage of Labour voters would prefer the Palestinian flag.