THE idea of free speech being curtailed in our universities and society at large is a disquieting thought. The policy of “no platforming” is at the epicentre of an increasingly heated debate on the right to express views deemed uncomfortable or unacceptable. The policy, in effect, means that people or groups on a banned list for holding racist, fascist or other discriminatory views are not allowed to speak on student union premises. Emanating from the campuses of American universities, it has taken root in the UK much to the chagrin of some university authorities and, more recently, the UK  Government.