Twenty-four per cent of those surveyed said they had been “threatened, abused, alarmed or distressed – by actions or words – by another student or academic” because of their membership of a pro-life society. A further thirty-five per cent of the participants reported that they had seen events cancelled due to the “de-platforming” of pro-life speakers. Sixty-five per cent of pro-life students had “witnessed another student being discriminated against or harassed for holding pro-life views”.

“The silencing and self-censorship of pro-life voices on campus is a familiar story. In addition to robust free speech protections, students need to continue to be brave in being outspoken about being pro-life. Groups like APS exist to provide the support and, if necessary, legal assistance so that they are afforded the same rights as any other student group at university. Students concerned about their future at university or future career should make use of the support available,” Right To Life UK spokeswoman Catherine Robinson commented.

In 2019, in the first case of its kind, a midwifery student at Nottingham University was suspended and faced possible expulsion from her course after a lecturer raised concerns about her role in the University’s pro-life group. Only after beginning legal action was the University’s decision overturned. Towards the end of 2020, this incident was closed after the university extended an apology to the student and offered compensation for her unjust suspension.

Source and image: righttolife.org