No Platform Policy (part 2)

Site: CotH, Section: History, Page: No Platform Policy.

DSU Notes

The 'no platform' policy of NUS and many individual Student Unions
The previous 'anti-no platform' policies of DSU
The illegality of 'no platform' under section 42 of the Education Act 1985

DSU Believes

Freedom of Speech is of paramount importance in an open and democratic society.
The way to eradicate racism is to expose its corruption and futility in open debate.
The alternative of 'kicking their heads in' will not change people's views and is ultimately futile in fighting racism and damages our society.
The practical implementation of 'no platform' is nearly impossible.

DSU Further Believes

'No platform' is thus a short term ostrich response and we must recognise we live in a wider society and must face up to our responsibilities within it, not hide behind gesture politics.

DSU Resolves

Not to have a 'no platform' policy.
To mandate the DSU President to write to NUS informing them of our position.

Site: CotH, Section: History, Page: No Platform Policy.

And the second appearance of a no no platform policy policy. Interesting for N3, though I assume it actually refers to Section 43 of the 1986 act.

Section 43 of the Education Act 1986

With the current 1-year policy expiral in DSU (it was 3 or maybe 5 then), and the reduced effect of Council-(re-)ratified policies, the existence of a similar policy would be less useful today. (cf. Ethical and Environmental Action)