SHUT UP! Should offensive speech be free?
The debate over free speech has become a battleground in our modern-day culture war. Should we be able to say whatever we want, no matter how offensive? Should some words be banned? How has social media – and its potential to polarize us ever more – changed the debate on how we should interact with each other?
John Smith Centre
Date: Tuesday 28 October 2025
Time: 18:00 - 20:00
Venue: Room 255, Humanities Lecture Theatre, Gilbert Scott Building
Category: Public lectures, Academic events, Student events
Speaker: Prof Adam Tomkins
The debate over free speech has become a battleground in our modern-day culture war. Should we be able to say whatever we want, no matter how offensive? Should some words be banned? How has social media – and its potential to polarize us ever more – changed the debate on how we should interact with each other?
Professor Adam Tomkins, John Millar Chair of Public Law at the University of Glasgow, has written a new book on free speech, On the Law of Speaking Freely, which examines these and many more questions. Join him and the John Smith Centre to examine how to navigate this issue. We will discuss the law and the history around free speech. And we’ll bring recent controversies into the room and discuss where the borders on free speech should sit.
There has never been a more important time to talk about talking. Join us in Room 255, Humanities Lecture Theatre, Gilbert Scott Building, 6-8pm, 28th October 2025.
The event is for students and staff at the UofG. The John Smith Centre at the University of Glasgow works to opens door to young people who want to get involved in politics and public life.