Memorial University

University policies

The Values of Memorial University include:

Freedom and Discovery: Supporting the freedom to pursue knowledge that is based on individual and collective intelligence, curiosity, ingenuity and creativity.

Memorial University’s Student Code of Conduct (Code) states in Article 5(a)(7):

While a university environment is one where freedom of speech is highly valued, students must adhere to provisions of the Human Rights Act, 2010 and discrimination is prohibited on the following grounds: race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, social origin, creed, religion, age, disability, disfigurement, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, family status, source of income and political opinion. Comments or action based on an individual’s association or relationship whether actual or presumed, with an individual or class of individuals identified above is also prohibited.

Further, Article 5(e) of the Code includes as an offence the disruption of University and student-organized events:

1. e) Offences involving disruption include:

…4) Acting, threatening or otherwise causing a disturbance that obstructs any activity organized by the University or by any of its faculties, schools, departments or divisions, clubs, societies or resource centres, or the rights of a member of the University community to carry on her or his legitimate activities, to speak to or associate with others.

Students and members of the University community enjoy the freedom to pursue their intellectual and personal interests without interference. The objectives of the University are the pursuit of learning through scholarship, teaching and research within a spirit of free enquiry and expression. The University recognizes academic freedom and the right to free speech, creative expression and peaceful protest, acknowledging that the common good of society depends upon the search for knowledge and its free expression.

The following are not considered Disruption in accordance with this section:

• Peaceful assemblies, demonstrations, picketing or other activity outside a class or meeting that does not substantially interfere with the communication inside, or impede access to the meeting or class.
  • Silent or symbolic protest.

However, noise that obstructs the conduct of a meeting or class, or forcibly blocking access to an activity constitutes Disruption under this Code.

Memorial University does not have a policy expressly preventing the University from charging security fees to students hosting discussions or lectures on controversial subjects.

Memorial’s Postering Guidelines state:

As with all activities, posters must comply with Memorial University’s policies and procedures, which include (but are not limited to) the Student Code of Conduct, the Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault Policy, the Respectful Workplace Policy and, where appropriate, the Procedure for Alcohol-related Advertising. Any poster deemed to be in violation of any university policy or procedure, or which is deemed to be non-university related, will be removed immediately. The university reserves the right to remove any poster at any time.

University practices

In October 2017, posters and leaflets were distributed around Memorial University’s St. John’s campus. The posters contained the title “Islamic Domination of the West” and contained text including “Pretend to be a refugee in order to gain access to your chosen country,” “Implement a watered down version of Sharia Law with the help of Leftists,” “Kill all those who don’t submit to Islam and dominate every Western country,” and “Play the minority card…”. The posters were removed promptly upon their discovery by campus security officials.

Memorial University did not have a formal approval process for Posters prior to this incident; students and community members were free to post on bulletin boards. However, in a statement about these posters, University president Gary Kachanoski announced that the University would create formal Postering Guidelines.

Student union policies

Section 11(B) of the Memorial University of Newfoundland Students’ Union (MUNSU) Bylaws requires clubs to include all MUNSU members, regardless of whether their beliefs are in line with the mission and values of the group.  Section 11(E)(4) further states “[t]he MUN Students’ Union will not recognize or ratify any group that the Board of Directors considers to be of a homophobic, transphobic, racist, ageist, ableist, sexist, or otherwise discriminatory or exclusionary nature.”  There is no policy expressly committing MUNSU to uphold campus free speech rights, and there are no speech codes in the MUNSU election policies and procedures.

MUNSU takes stances on issues not directly related to its mandate. In March 2019, MUNSU adopted a policy in favour of raising the minimum wage in Newfoundland & Labrador.

MUNSU funds an Equity Program which offers voluntary advocacy and training to students on issues including human rights, discrimination, equity, inclusion and LGBTQ issues.

Student union practices

There are no recent cases of MUNSU failing to uphold free expression rights on campus.