Abertay University has apologised for allowing a controversial sex offender advocacy group to address students and has confirmed the organisation will not be invited back to campus.
The Dundee institution admitted it "got things wrong" by hosting Justice for Innocent Men Scotland (JIMS) after facing public backlash over the group's conduct.
University Apology and Ban
In a statement issued on Friday, principal and vice-chancellor Professor Liz Bacon said the university had listened carefully to concerns raised by students, staff and others following the group's latest lecture on campus.
She said: "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."
The university has now confirmed that JIMS and its representatives will not be invited back to Abertay following what it described as a lack of professionalism and integrity.
Conduct and Controversy
Professor Bacon said: "Since the JIMS lecture took place last week, conduct by their members and supporters has demonstrated that they lack the professionalism and integrity required to deliver guest lectures to our students and are not a suitable organisation around which the academic discussion should have been organised."
She added: "In addition, it is clear that our prior assessment of the group, its members, and its online operations did not go far enough and moving forward I can confirm that JIMS and their representatives will not be invited back to Abertay."
The controversy erupted after JIMS returned to the university on November 6, having previously addressed criminology students last year. The latest lecture, organised by lecturer Dr Stuart Waiton, featured JIMS speaker Kirsty McDermott and came under fierce criticism from campaigners and survivors concerned about the group's activities and public rhetoric.
Broader Repercussions
The backlash also prompted Scots author Darren McGarvey to announce his intention to renounce an honorary degree awarded by Abertay in 2023. The writer and activist, also known by his rap name Loki, said the university's decision to host JIMS was at odds with the values of social justice for which he had been honoured.
Professor Bacon acknowledged the importance of academic freedom but said the university's procedures around guest lectures would now be strengthened. She said: "Abertay has a moral and legal duty to uphold academic freedom and lawful freedom of expression."
The Record has previously reported allegations against JIMS, including claims that survivors' medical records and details of their children had been published online, while members had attended court proceedings in a bid to intimidate victims. Material published on JIMS' own website has also drawn criticism for comparing the #MeToo movement to witch trials and claiming feminism had become a threat to young men.
Professor Bacon insisted the university would not abandon free speech or prevent other controversial groups from speaking on campus, but said the JIMS decision had exposed shortcomings in its vetting procedures. She said: "This decision does not mean that discussion of fair trials, rape, miscarriages of justice or other difficult issues will stop."
The principal reiterated that supporting students and staff, particularly those affected by sexual abuse and harassment, remained a priority. She added: "All forms of sexual abuse and harassment, either online or in the real world, are completely unacceptable and we will do everything we can to support our community and to call this out where we see it."
