ARRON GUNN – ‘Universities are supposed to be the guarantors of free speech -- and the free exchange of ideas -- not where those things go to die’

Yesterday I was at my old school, the University of Victoria, where a few days ago I found out I am evidently not allowed to speak.

Now, just to rewind a little bit to a couple of weeks ago; the campus Free Speech Club asked me if I would be willing to present the other side of the Coastal GasLink and Wet’su’weten protests debate -- to which I said, yes of course.

It wasn’t that long ago that I was a student on campus at UVic, and I’m very familiar with the lack of ideological diversity, and how frustrating that can be for free-thinking individuals.

The free speech club got all the necessary approvals and we were good to go, when all of a sudden, the radical left-wing groups caught wind of it, and proceeded to try and shut it down. They complained to the university, declaring that if the event continued as planned, there would be some sort of violent confrontation.

Now understand, I’ve spoken at dozens of events, including campuses, without incident. Regardless the University completely capitulated.

They immediately placed my speaking engagement on an indefinite hold, cancelled promotional events and demanded the club, which has a budget of $0, hire a private security firm in the future, at which point they might reconsider their decision.

Never, in a million years, would this burden be placed on groups advocating for a left-wing cause, like stopping the pipeline. This is insane.

Universities are supposed to be the guarantors of free speech -- and the free exchange of ideas -- not where those things go to die. And a student, regardless of the event they are attending, should never have to fear for their safety and security. That’s just ridiculous.

The problem is schools like the University of Victoria have allowed themselves to be bullied, by this radical but vocal minority. This vocal minority threatens schools with chaos to de-platform speakers they don’t like, to further isolate and indoctrinate students to their political cause without consequence.

It’s a totalitarian tactic ...

It’s disgusting ...

It goes against everything the university supposedly stands for ... and yet apparently, it’s just another day on campus here at UVic.

Aaron Gunn ... is an advocate for taxpayers and common sense. Throughout his work and notably in his role as Spokesperson for BC Proud, Aaron has been a voice for citizens across British Columbia and Canada. 

Aaron’s viral videos have targeted, among others, the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) for dramatically raising rates on BC drivers; Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps for tearing down the statue of Sir John A. Macdonald; the stigma around resource development in Canada; and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for his massive deficits and obsession with political correctness.

Aaron has a Bachelor’s Degree of Commerce from the University of Victoria. He served three years in the Canadian Army Reserves and operated his own company, which he founded at age 15, for over ten years. Victoria, BC is home.