STV NewsAbertay University has admitted it “got things wrong” after inviting a controversial group that advocates for men accused of sexual offences to speak to students, following a week of mounting backlash.
Justice for Innocent Men in Scotland (JIMS) was asked to give a talk to fourth-year criminology students in Dundee for a second time, despite criticism over an earlier appearance last year.
The group describes itself as being dedicated to supporting men in Scotland who have been falsely accused of sexual offences and campaigns for “justice, transparency, and much-needed reform in the legal system”.
The talk sparked backlash, which included Scottish rapper Darren McGarvey renouncing his honorary degree and the founder of Dundee Culture cancelling an upcoming lecture.
Professor Liz Bacon, principal and vice-chancellor has now apologised for the distress caused and admitted the institution made an error, despite an initial statement claiming the talk had been “appropriate”.
She said: “Over the past week we have listened carefully to the concerns raised by students, staff and others in relation to the Justice for Innocent Men Scotland (JIMS) lecture held on campus, and have taken time to reflect.
“It is clear that we got things wrong and on behalf of the University I want to apologise for the distress and upset that this matter has caused, particularly to survivors of rape and sexual abuse and harassment.
“Abertay has a moral and legal duty to uphold academic freedom and lawful freedom of expression. Providing students with the ability to explore difficult and controversial themes is integral to their learning and, particularly in these polarised times, essential to their development as critical thinkers with the tools to create positive change.”
Abertay defended its position that universities must be places for students to explore complex issues, but said procedures around guest lecturers need to be strengthened and called out JIMS for its conduct.
Prof Bacon said: “Since the JIMS lecture took place last week, conduct by their members and supporters has demonstrated that they lack the professionalism and integrity required to deliver guest lectures to our students and are not a suitable organisation around which the academic discussion should have been organised.
“In addition, it is clear that our prior assessment of the group, its members, and its online operations did not go far enough and moving forward I can confirm that JIMS and their representatives will not be invited back to Abertay.”
Who spoke out against Abertay’s decision to host JIMS?
In the days following the talk given by JIMS at the university, several figures spoke out against the decision.
STV News spoke to Ellie Wilson, a rape survivor and advocate who sharply criticised the decision, calling it “deeply irresponsible”.
Ms Wilsonpresviously spoke out the first time JIMS was asked to speak in October 2025, an issue university bosses tried to distance themselves from saying approval had not been given.
“The first time around, you could say that it was a mistake that came from complacency, whereas now it feels intentional and deliberate,” said Ms Wilson.
STV NewsHaving spoken to other survivors, Ms Wilson said they were “extremely disappointed” and “let down” by Abertay’s decision to host the group.
A vocal critic was Darren McGarvey, who announced on Tuesday that he was handing back his honourary degree. He said Abertay’s decision to host JIMS was “at odds with the values for which it had previously honoured him”.
He raised concerns about the group inciting controversial views in a lecture theatre “without challenge”.
He added: “Abertay must acknowledge the seriousness of its error, apologise unreservedly to those affected, and commit to ensuring that future invitations are subject to appropriate scrutiny.”
In addition, the founder of Dundee Culture, Andrew Batchelor, announced he would no longer hold a lecture at the university following discussions.
A public statement to his 81,000 followers said: “I want to make it clear that I do not agree with the university’s decision to host representatives from JIMS, particularly given the serious concerns that have been raised.”
JIMS ‘fully respects’ Abertay’s decision not to invite them back
In a statement provided to STV News, JIMS said it “fully respects” the university’s decision not to invite them back.
A spokesperson said: “We certainly have no desire to see Abertay University, its staff or students dragged into further controversy, criticism or abuse as a consequence of our involvement.
“We would like to thank the university for the opportunity previously afforded to us and, in particular, welcome its commitment to ensuring that the important issues surrounding fair trials, miscarriages of justice and the criminal justice system continue to be discussed and debated.
“We are, however, disappointed that the university reached its decision without first approaching or speaking directly with JIMS.
“We would have welcomed the opportunity to discuss its concerns, clarify our position and offer our perspective before a decision was reached.
“Nevertheless, we respect the university’s position and have no wish to turn this into a further dispute.”
JIMS made clear that their response should not be taken as “an apology or a withdrawal of our campaign in response to the external criticism, hostility or controversy”.
“We remain unapologetic about raising legitimate questions concerning fair trials, evidence, miscarriages of justice and equality before the law. These are important matters that deserve open, honest and robust debate,” they added.
Follow STV News on WhatsApp
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
