Abertay University has invited members of the sex offender advocacy group Justice for Innocent Men in Scotland (JIMS) to speak to students for a second time, a move that rape survivor and campaigner Ellie Wilson has branded an "utter embarrassment."
JIMS returned to the Dundee university on Friday, November 6, after previously sparking a major backlash when it was invited to address criminology students last year. The latest lecture was organised by lecturer Dr Stuart Waiton and featured JIMS speaker Kirsty McDermott.
Campaigner's criticism
Taking to social media, Ellie said: "A Scottish university has invited a convicted rapists’ supporters group onto campus. For the SECOND time. Yes, Abertay University thought it appropriate to give a platform to people who defend convicted serial rapists and child sex offenders."
Ellie claimed JIMS members had been involved in "appalling harassment of survivors", alleging victims' medical records and details of their children had been posted online, while members had attended court proceedings to intimidate survivors. She also described her own experience of being targeted by the group, claiming she had been called a "skank", bombarded with abuse and subjected to malicious emails. She wrote: "Someone who left the group revealed my name alone was mention in their chats over 600 times."
"When JIMS was invited last year, students protested and hundreds of complaints followed. Abertay nevertheless concluded that hosting the group was 'appropriate'. Now they’ve been invited back. Apparently, the first backlash wasn’t enough," she added.
Background and concerns
Ellie has previously spoken publicly about her own ordeal after her ex-partner Daniel McFarlane was convicted of raping her twice while they were students at Glasgow University. McFarlane was sentenced to five years in prison in 2022 after Ellie secretly recorded his confession. She has since become a prominent campaigner for survivors' rights and previously helped organise a counter-protest against JIMS supporters outside the Scottish Parliament.
JIMS has faced criticism over its treatment of women who speak publicly about sexual violence. The organisation has previously denied harassing victims.
Ellie also questioned the academic value of giving the group access to students. She said: "Now of course some people will raise the issue of 'free speech'. Universities should absolutely encourage debate, including uncomfortable debate. But where were the opposing speakers? The survivors’ organisations? The academics offering alternative perspectives?"
"There’s also the question of academic quality. Are the supporters of convicted rapists and paedophiles, who have themselves harassed rape victims, and who had no academic or professional experience in the justice system best places to host such a talk? What about safety too?" she added.
University and JIMS responses
The timing of the latest lecture has also come under fire, with Ellie pointing out it took place the day after the Russell Brand guilty verdict. She added: "While the country was discussing sexual violence and accountability, Abertay was hosting a group that has defended Brand and portrayed convicted rapists as victims. Abertay should know better. They should know that students are more likely than any other section of the population to experience sexual violence. Shame on Abertay. An utter embarrassment."
Abertay University defended its decision, insisting it had a legal responsibility to uphold academic freedom and freedom of expression. A spokesperson told STV News: "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, November 6 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 fourth 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," the spokesperson added.
JIMS told the outlet it was "pleased" to have been invited back to speak to students for a second time. A spokesperson said: "Unfortunately, following our latest appearance, we are once again witnessing attempts to intimidate, harass and discredit our organisation. We wish to make our position absolutely clear: these tactics did not prevent our return to Abertay University, and they will not prevent us from continuing our work. We thank Dr Stuart Waiton and Abertay University for once again providing students with the opportunity to examine these important issues through open discussion and critical thinking."
"Universities should be places where difficult questions can be explored and established practices scrutinised, without fear of harassment or intimidation. The right to a fair trial is not a matter of opinion. It is a fundamental human right, and no campaign of intimidation will deter JIMS from defending it," the spokesperson concluded.
