New Plymouth Boys’ High apologises for excluding student from speech finals, FSU to provide training

25 August 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New Plymouth Boys’ High apologises for excluding student from speech finals, FSU to provide training

After a mediation supported by the Free Speech Union, New Plymouth Boys’ High School acknowledged that Oliver Jull was excluded from participating in the finals of the school speech competition because of the content of his speech, apologised for this and the distress this caused, and stated they remain committed to giving effect to freedom of expression rights of students. The Free Speech Union staff will now provide training at the school on best practice guidance on freedom of speech in an educational setting, says Jillaine Heather, Chief Executive of the Free Speech Union. 

“We welcome the school’s acknowledgement and apology, and its commitment to support students’ freedom of expression. Excluding a student from participating in the school speech finals because some members of the audience ‘may be offended’ is the antithesis of the standard we expect from our secondary schools. 

“If democracy and tolerance are to have a future in New Zealand, they must start in our schools, where our future leaders are equipped to think independently and critically, and where they are applauded for having the courage to speak out. The schools' actions up until the mediation were the opposite of this and did not set a good example for other young people. Their decision to apologise, reaffirm their commitment to free speech, and agree to free speech training is commendable and the only right course to take. 

“We are proud to have stood alongside a young free speech champion like Oliver Jull, and applaud him for his courageous refusal to be silenced. Likewise, we are grateful to the tens of thousands of Kiwis who support our work to ensure that those whose voices are silenced don’t have to stand alone. We look forward to meeting constructively with NPBHS to conduct free speech training later in the year.”