Page 14 - Plesner CSR 2019_UK

Freedom of speech high on the agenda
Approximately 50 pupils in two 9th grades at Nørrebro Park School listened intensely when Kashif Ahmed, a candidate for the Danish Parliament for the Danish party The Alternative, gave a talk on freedom of speech. He did so in late April against the background of demonstrations headed by Rasmus Paludan, the founder of the Danish Hard Line party, and the ensuing unrest in Nørrebro. Kashif Ahmed talked about how to handle the fact that other people may have views with which you do not agree, and pointed out that violence must never be the response to other peoples' extreme statements.
"We live in times where extreme forces are emerging. But words should be met by words, never by violence, and being curious and toler- ant is a better approach than mistrust and anger. You, the young people, are our future, and you have to deal with this. Education is the way forward in order that you may stand on your own feet and make a difference as citizens," said Kashif Ahmed.
The dialogue meeting is a good example of how Plesner's School Project will put current and relevant topics on the timetable and teach the pupils debating culture so they may learn how to discuss and reflect with respect for each other's views.
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