DJ Joshua Simon talk at S’pore Polytechnic cancelled after student organising committee raised concerns about LGBT content Mothership, 3 July 2019

03 Jul 2019

Article highlighted that Kiss92 FM radio DJ Joshua Simon had decided to pull out from the TEDxYouth@SP talk after refusing to edit his script which contained certain LGBTQ+ themes. An SP spokesperson shared that TEDxYouth@SP is a student-led event and speakers were required to submit their scripts before the event to ensure that their content is aligned to the theme and appropriate for the audience. However, the student organising committee only received the script on the eve of the event. When they reviewed it, they found it inspirational but assessed that certain parts relating to his sexuality might be inappropriate for the target audience. The students then suggested that Joshua consider reviewing his script while preserving the integrity of his story, but he decided not to speak at the event at all instead. An MOE spokesperson also shared that all institutes of higher learning (IHLs) can decide on events conducted on campus but have to follow the IHLs guidelines. They added that open discussions on various topics are encouraged, but some issues, especially those that concern race and religion, are sensitive and potentially socially divisive. Organisers also need to be cognisant of them and exercise appropriate judgement. 
[Mothership]