Once again, Abertay University invited Justice for Innocent Men Scotland (JIMS) to speak to Criminology students. But it has now u-turned and apologised after a week of backlash.
The University hosted JIMS director Marsha Sturgeon and founder Kirsty McDermott to speak to students at a criminology lecture on 6 November. This was organised for the second time by Dr Stuart Waiton, Senior Lecturer in Sociology and Criminology at Abertay University.
The ‘men’s rights’ group alleges there is a lack of fair trials for men in sex criminal cases and portrays itself as fighting for justice, transparency, and reform in the legal system.
However, activist Ellie Wilson rang the alarm bells about JIMS’ second lecture via social media and said:
JIMS claims to campaign for fair trials and argues that it doesn’t harass victims, but that’s not true. On the JIMS website and social media, you’ll find examples of victims being named and subject to horrific insults.
JIMS members have published victims’ identities, personal details, and even their medical records. Some members have even turned up to court to intimidate witnesses.
When JIMS was invited to Abertay last year, a complaint was lodged with the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) and the university received over 300 complaints and pieces of feedback from students and members of the public.
After conducting a 5-month investigation, the university reported that the JIMS lecture was “appropriate in the context of this module” and none of the complaints was upheld.
But this Friday, Abertay University Principal Prof. Liz Bacon issued a statement:
Over the past week we have listened carefully to the concerns raised by students, staff and others in relation to the Justice for Innocent Men Scotland (JIMS) lecture held on campus, and have taken time to reflect.
It is clear that we got things wrong and on behalf of the University I want to apologise for the distress and upset that this matter has caused, particularly to survivors of rape and sexual abuse and harassment.
Abertay has banned JIMS and their representatives from returning and admitted that “it is clear that our prior assessment of the group, its members, and its online operations did not go far enough”.
Vocal students want the university to take accountability and take action against Dr Stuart Waiton, as this incident has now occurred twice and impacted their views about the University as a whole.
Public figures have added to the chorus of uproar. Author and broadcaster Darren McGarvey said he would renounce his Honorary Doctorate from Abertay University, and Dundee Culture founder Andrew Batchelor confirmed he would not give his guest lecture at Abertay.
When The Jute Journal approached Abertay University for comment on 10 November, a university spokesperson replied:
The University has a legal duty to uphold academic freedom and lawful freedom of expression.
As part of teaching on criminology and criminal justice issues, students are routinely exposed to a range of viewpoints and perspectives, including those that are controversial or disputed.
We can confirm that the JIMS lecture on Friday 6 November was organised appropriately, that students in the class were made aware of the session in advance, and that the speaker, Kirsty McDermott, was appropriate in the context of the 4th year criminology module.
Views expressed by external speakers in guest lectures are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Abertay University.
We understand that guest speakers can be controversial, however it is essential that universities provide an environment where controversial ideas can be explored, discussed and challenged through informed academic debate.
Abertay has therefore made a u-turn after the public outcry over JIMS’ second, and what has been promised to be the final, university lecture.
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