Phoebe Davies Owen on free speech, censorship and secularism

Ahead of the much-hyped event “Free Speech and Censorship within Universities”, Features sat down with incoming WASH president Phoebe Davies-Owen to talk about the importance of debate.

What inspired WASH to host an event on free speech?

Free speech is one of the core values that we, as a society, hold. Obviously, we’ve had issues with censorship in the past and in March, members of the WASH exec to part in protests against the NUS No Platform Policy in London. It is always the intent of WASH to challenge these narratives without silencing anyone.

Image: Phoebe Davies Owen / Facebook

What do you hope that people will take away from the experience?

I definitely want people to walk away with a greater sense of awareness and a renewed openness to all sides of an argument. I also want people to understand that extremism can come under any form. Any religious, philosophical or political standpoint can become extreme.

Why is the intersection between secularism and free speech so relevant at the moment?

It’s important to have this discussion now because there are extreme religious narratives being projected from all sides. There are increased security problems and people are looking inwards instead of opening up the floor for debate. Closing up in the face of fear and extremism is dangerous and counter-productive. Regardless of whether I disagree with a particular viewpoint, I will defend their right to say what they have to say.

Has there been any response to Maryam Namazie’s inclusion, as she was barred from speaking at the SU in September?

So far, I’ve seen a lot of support for Maryam. In personal discussions that I’ve had with people, they are receptive to the idea that even if you don’t agree with her you have to hear her out. I can imagine that any dissent will be brought up in our Q&A session following the panel discussion. There has been open communication within the WASH exec about how we will respond to any criticism after the event. The speakers will also be prepared to answer any points of view that counter theirs.

Where do WASH, as a society, go from here?

We want to continue holding events that people consider contentious. It’s important to bring this discussion to Warwick and get more people involved of all faiths and political alignments. If, in my whole tenure as president, I get ten people to talk about these issues, I’ll be happy.