STV NewsA sexual assault survivor has criticised Abertay University for inviting a controversial sex offender advocacy group to speak to students for a second time.
Ellie Wilson criticised the university after lecturer Dr Stuart Waiton invited members of Justice for Innocent Men in Scotland (JIMS) to speak to criminology students in Dundee.
The group received significant backlash last year for speaking as part of a university course, and senior management attempted to distance themselves by saying the visit had not been approved and that JIMS’s views did not reflect those of the institution.
Despite this, the group returned to the university for a second time, prompting Ms Wilson to speak out again, branding the decision “deeply irresponsible”.
On its website, JIMS says it is 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”.
Speaking to STV News, Ms Wilson said: “We know how high the rates of sexual violence on university campuses are, and I also think the timing of this was quite remarkable, taking place the day after the Russell Brand verdict.
“While most of the country were having conversations about sexual violence and the justice system and what needs to change, a group like this, which shames survivors of rape, was allowed a platform.”
Ms Wilson said she has previously been targeted by JIMS, and believes the group “thrives off controversy”.
STV NewsShe raised concerns that full-time students are at a heightened risk of sexual violence and that the lecture may have been traumatic for survivors at Abertay.
Her concerns are based on her own experience of sexual violence while studying at the University of Glasgow in 2017/18.
Rapist Daniel McFarlane was convicted and sentenced to five years in prison in 2022 after Ms Wilson secretly recorded his confession.
Following her ordeal, she felt that the university had not put enough safeguards in place to protect and support her.
Ms Wilson has accused Abertay of neglecting its duty of care by platforming the group.
“We really can’t be normalising these attitudes and ensure survivors feel supported, and I don’t think presenting convicted rapists as the real victims is a safe thing to do”, she added.
“The first time around, you could say that it was a mistake that came from complacency, whereas now it feels intentional and deliberate.”
Having spoken to other survivors, Ms Wilson says they are “extremely disappointed” and “let down” by Abertay’s decision.
It is understood that JIMS was offered a platform at the university without any opposition.
Ms Wilson added: “It’s about having a respectful and informed debate. We know that JIMS has propagated various conspiracy theories before, saying that jailing men is part of a feminist plot to decrease the birth rate.
“There is no evidence of that happening, and their conduct towards survivors has also been incredibly harmful.
“I do think the university needs to have a closer look at these issues because students should be exposed to a range of viewpoints, but those viewpoints should not just correlate to one individual’s own personal beliefs.”
Abertay says it has ‘legal duty’ to allow academic freedom
Despite having recognised that the 2025 lecture had caused concern and led to a review of guest speaker approval procedures, Abertay issued a statement saying the talk was “appropriate”.
A spokesperson for Abertay University said: “The university has a legal duty to uphold academic freedom and lawful freedom of expression.
“As part of teaching on criminology and criminal justice issues, students are routinely exposed to a range of viewpoints and perspectives, including those that are controversial or disputed.
“We can confirm that the JIMS lecture on Friday, November 6 was organised appropriately, that students in the class were made aware of the session in advance, and that the speaker, Kirsty McDermott, was appropriate in the context of the fourth year criminology module.
“Views expressed by external speakers in guest lectures are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Abertay University.
“We understand that guest speakers can be controversial, however it is essential that universities provide an environment where controversial ideas can be explored, discussed and challenged through informed academic debate.”
‘Difficult questions should be explored’, says JIMS
In a statement, JIMS said the organisation was “pleased” to have been invited to speak with criminology students for a second time.
It said JIMS discussed with students the cases of two men who had appealed to the Supreme Court, claiming they had not received fair trials following rape allegations.
Both cases were thrown out, however the Supreme Court ruled Scottish courts should modify their approach to the admission of evidence for sexual offences, as it may infringe the rights of the accused.
A JIMS spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, following our latest appearance, we are once again witnessing attempts to intimidate, harass and discredit our organisation.
“We wish to make our position absolutely clear: these tactics did not prevent our return to Abertay University, and they will not prevent us from continuing our work.”
The statement continued: “We thank Dr Stuart Waiton and Abertay University for once again providing students with the opportunity to examine these important issues through open discussion and critical thinking.
“Universities should be places where difficult questions can be explored and established practices scrutinised, without fear of harassment or intimidation.
“The right to a fair trial is not a matter of opinion. It is a fundamental human right, and no campaign of intimidation will deter JIMS from defending it.”
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