SHUT UP! Should offensive speech be free?

John Smith Centre

Join Professor Adam Tomkins and the John Smith Centre to examine how to navigate free speech.

Room 255 Humanities Lecture Theatre, Gilbert Scott Building

A <a href="https://www.johnsmithcentre.com/" title="https://www.johnsmithcentre.com/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">John Smith Centre</a> event, for University of Glasgow students and staff.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?<a href="https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/law/staff/adamtomkins/" title="https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/law/staff/adamtomkins/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Professor Adam Tomkins</a>, John Millar Chair of Public Law at the University of Glasgow, has written a new book on free speech, <a href="https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/on-the-law-of-speaking-freely-9781509972104/" title="https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/on-the-law-of-speaking-freely-9781509972104/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">On the Law of Speaking Freely</a>, 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 University of Glasgow. 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. If you have any accessibility requirements, please email us at johnsmithcentre@glasgow.ac.uk with details no less than 48 hours before the event.Please note that filming/photography will be taking place during this event for promotional and archival purposes. Images and recordings may be used on our website or in other promotional materials. If you would prefer not to be photographed, please inform a member of staff.We are committed to protecting your personal information and being transparent about what information we hold. Please read the John Smith Centre’s privacy statement at: <a href="https://www.johnsmithcentre.com/about-us/john-smith/privacy/" title="https://www.johnsmithcentre.com/about-us/john-smith/privacy/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.johnsmithcentre.com/about-us/john-smith/privacy/</a>By ordering a ticket for this event, you consent to allow the John Smith Centre to store and process the personal information submitted.