Affront to free speech 2

Even if Frank Ellis "caused widespread outrage" this does not mean that his views lack merit. There is no link between the worth of an opinion and any resulting outrage (or praise).

Is the Unite Against Fascism campaign alleging that Ellis is a fascist? Even if he is a fascist this is not necessarily a crime or civil offence in this country.

Gavin Reid's wish that Ellis "would crawl back into the pond from which he came" says more about Reid than Ellis. Reid is reported to have called Ellis a bigot and a bastard. The Association of University Teachers' meeting itself hardly seems devoid of bigotry. To call Ellis a bastard as a term of disapproval is surely old-fashioned prejudice against those born out of wedlock and is a disgusting insult to illegitimate children. Will the AUT now disassociate itself from such an outrageous statement?

The integrity or otherwise of Ellis's views on intelligence and race seems to be of little concern to many AUT members who simply resort to bile and venom to attack Ellis and hunt him in packs. I suggest a public debate, even a Times Higher Great Debate, on the biological/genetic basis of human intelligence - but it is not going to happen, is it?

Bruce Jackson
Berkshire