A philosophy student who was heard saying through the wall of his room that ‘veganism is wrong’ and ‘gender fluidity is stupid’ was threatened with expulsion by his university, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.
Robert Ivinson said he was punished after a neighbor in a University of Exeter hall of residence heard the comments and then complained that he had been offensive and ‘transphobic’.
Mr. Ivinson, who expressed his views in a phone call to a friend, was taken before university officials and given a “conduct contract” for the remainder of his studies.
He was warned that he could be expelled if the university thought he had done anything else wrong, and was told by letter that he had been found guilty of harassment.
Last night, critics condemned Mr Ivinson’s sentence as an example of the “insidious erosion” of freedom of expression in Britain’s academic institutions.
Robert Ivinson, who expressed his views in a phone call to a friend, was brought before university officials and given a “conduct contract” for the remainder of his studies
Last night, critics condemned the punishment of the University of Exeter’s Mr Ivinson (pictured) as an example of the ‘insidious erosion’ of freedom of speech in Britain’s academic institutions.
Mr Ivinson said he was punished after a student next door in halls of residence at the University of Exeter (pictured) heard the comments and then complained that he had been offensive and ‘transphobic’.
Edward Skidelsky – director of the Committee for Academic Freedom, academics who fight to preserve free speech on campuses – said: ‘It is extraordinary that in 21st century Britain eavesdroppers can be rewarded and a student punished for comments to a friend in the privacy of his or her private life. room.
“Robert’s case once again underlines the insidious erosion of the freedom to express opinions and ideas that is taking place in our universities.”
At the time of the complaint, Mr. Ivinson – who had just started his first year of philosophy – was alone with the door closed.
Mr Ivinson, who is 6ft tall and has a deep intonation, said his voice was often carried without him realizing it.
When an officer from the university’s estate patrol banged on his door to tell him his neighbor had complained, the mature student was shocked.
“It was as if the Stasi had come to my door,” he said. “He put his foot in my door and said you said some very offensive things.”
Mr. Ivinson was summoned to a disciplinary hearing and questioned by university officials.
At the time of the complaint, Mr Ivinson – who had just started his first year of a philosophy degree – was alone with the door closed (stock photo from Exeter University campus)
Mr Ivinson said he made comments about gender fluidity and veganism, but claims other statements he allegedly made were misunderstood, such as that President Assad of Syria (pictured) was “a good guy”.
He told The Mail on Sunday: ‘The first thing they read was that I had said veganism is wrong. I couldn’t believe it – I thought I misheard them. I asked them to repeat it three or four times because I didn’t believe I was sitting there saying veganism is wrong.”
He says he has made comments about gender fluidity and veganism, but claims other statements he allegedly made were misunderstood, such as that President Assad of Syria was “a good guy.” He says he declared the dictator “not a good guy.”
He also denies saying that “people shouldn’t parade their sexuality in a gay bar.”
He insists he said that while he felt uncomfortable with public displays of affection – gay or straight – he had no problem with gay people wanting to demonstrate their sexuality in bars or clubs.
He says he has apologized to officials for the disruption, but has retained his right to speak freely in his own room. “I was completely private, except for the fact that someone heard me through a brick wall.”
Mr Ivinson tried to challenge the decision by Exeter – a member of the prestigious Russell Group of top universities – but says it was rejected.
He subsequently suffered from depression – the incident occurred at the same time as a family bereavement and put his studies on hold.
Now studying a masters in philosophy at Exeter, Mr Ivinson said he felt unable to talk about his ordeal, which took place in 2018, for fear of repercussions.
But after receiving support from the recently established Committee for Academic Freedom and Mr Skidelsky, who is also a lecturer in philosophy at the University of Exeter, he found the courage to do so.
Mr Ivinson said: ‘I am saddened that freedom of speech now means so little in this country. It is shocking that a Russell Group university could act in this way.”
Exeter University was contacted for comment but did not respond.
To learn more about this story, listen to the Committee on Academic Freedom podcast featuring Mr. Skidelsky website.