Year | University Policies | University Practices | Student Union Policies | Student Union Practices |
---|---|---|---|---|
2020 | c | f | d | c |
2019 | b | b | d | c |
2018 | a | b | d | c |
To meet its obligations mandated by the Ontario government, in December 2018, Laurentian University enacted a new Policy on the Freedom of Speech (Freedom of Expression) which states:
Laurentian University’s commitment to, and definition of, freedom of expression includes the free exchange and expression of ideas, knowledge, perspectives and views which is fundamental to the advancement of learning and the dissemination of knowledge. The concept of free speech is part of Laurentian University’s definition of Freedom of Expression.
At Laurentian University, the free exchange and expression of ideas, knowledge, perspectives and views is included in but not limited to various university documents. For example, academic freedom is defined as the right to search for truth, knowledge and understanding and to express freely what one believes. The University as an institution and the community of its scholars have a duty to protect and defend the search for knowledge and truth by all that enquire. This includes contributing to social change through free expression on matters of public interest, without being censored, impeded or hindered.
[...]
Exposure to disagreeable and challenging views or opinions can be expected in promoting and supporting the free expression of ideas, knowledge, perspectives and views. Laurentian University remains committed to maintaining a respectful workplace and learning environment that prohibits all forms of discrimination and harassment. It is the responsibility of our community members and visitors to foster a free exchange of ideas including a discussion of differing views and to avoid discrimination. As well, members of the university community and visitors have the responsibility to uphold each individual’s right to participate, learn and work in an environment that promotes equal opportunities.
Laurentian University’s existing policies as well as existing collective agreements may be applied where conduct is found to have significantly interfered with the ability of an event or activity involving free expression to proceed. Student associations are encouraged to integrate Laurentian University’s policies into their own.
While recognizing and respecting every individual’s right to freedom of expression, Laurentian University has an obligation to manage a University related event or activity where it is reasonably believed there is a risk of injury or that it may violate applicable law.
The Senate of Laurentian University passed a Statement of Students Rights and Responsibilities in 1998 which states:
Upon becoming a member of the University, every student retains her or his rights and freedoms, and continues to benefit from the protections afforded by Federal, Provincial and Municipal laws as well as the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Ontario Human Rights Code. Moreover, the policies and regulations of the University are designed to maintain an environment conducive to teaching, learning and scholarly activity. In combination, these rights and freedoms include the right to think, speak, write, learn, study, associate with others and pursue cultural, social and other interests. Students have the individual and collective responsibility to abide by the laws of the land and the University’s policies and regulations so that their rights and freedoms can be expressed in an orderly way which also allows for the rights and freedoms of others.
Every student has the right to fair and equitable treatment by the University with respect to teaching, evaluation and access to general services. This treatment is also to be free from harassment or discrimination as defined in the Ontario Human Rights Code and University policies including the Harassment Policy and Complaint Procedures. In turn, students have the responsibility to treat others equitably and fairly and not to harass and discriminate against other individuals and groups.
In their status as members of the University community, students have the right to use facilities designated for their use or for the use of the University community generally. They have the responsibility to abide by any regulations governing the use of such facilities.
Students have the right to inquire into, and be informed about all University policies and regulations. They have the responsibility to abide by reasonable instructions given orally or in writing by any official authorized by the University to secure compliance with policies and regulations, practices and procedures, when the official is acting in an official capacity.
Students have a right to participate fully in University governance where their participation is established in legislation and/or mandated by University policies. Students have a responsibility to ensure that their positions in University governance have been obtained democratically and/or legally. They should also represent the views and uphold the interests of their student constituency within the particular governing body.
They have a right to make representations, such as complaints and petitions concerning behaviour of any member of the University community, to the appropriate student association or University authority without fear of reprisal. They have the responsibility to make their representations in an orderly and appropriate manner and to notify University officials of any violation of their rights as students.
Students have a right to express their views and to press for improvements to the policies and regulations which affect them by means of peaceful assemblies, demonstrations and lawful picketing. Students have a responsibility to ensure that their right to be heard, individually or collectively, does not substantially disrupt the legitimate activities of the University or nullify the rights of other members of the University community.
Students and other members of the University community have a right to a physical environment which is safe and secure. Students have a responsibility to observe occupational health and safety guidelines, directions and policies, to abide by rules and regulations regarding entry to facilities and access to equipment, and to refrain from any conduct or activity which is a danger or a nuisance to others.
Laurentian University’s Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities defines misconduct to include:
[Engaging in] language or behavior that causes one or more persons to fear on reasonable grounds for their safety or the safety of persons known to them, and/or adversely affect their freedom to participate in the University’s activities.
The Code further states that the University’s commitment to academic freedom does not supersede provisions of this Code:
The University is committed to promoting and respecting academic freedom. The University shall act to safeguard this principle as long as it does not violate the provisions of this Code. Students have the right to express their views in a responsible and ethical manner.
Laurentian’s Respectful Work and Learning Environment Policy, Section 4, states:
4.1 Examples of Bullying include but are not limited to:
[...]
4.2 Bullying (Psychological Harassment) does not include:
The Laurentian University Equity, Diversity, and Human Rights Office (EDHRO) lists the following as its key activities:
On June 22, 2020, Haché released a second statement:
Further to my statement of June 9th condemning racism on campus, today I wish to communicate with the Laurentian community that Dr. David Lesbarrères will be stepping down from his day-to-day functions as Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies for an indeterminate period, effective immediately.
Interim arrangements for leadership of the Faculty of Graduate Studies will be communicated shortly. In the meantime, the functions of the Dean will be overseen by the Vice-President, Academic and Provost, Dr. Serge Demers.
In November 2019, an arbitrator found that Laurentian University violated academic freedom rights when they suspended Professor Michael Persinger from teaching in 2015. After university administration received a student complaint about Persinger, he was removed from teaching a psychology course. The complaint was in regards to how Persinger had asked students to sign a letter of understanding that his class may include harsh language and sexist content, a practice of his for the last 10 years he had been teaching. Persinger died in August 2018.
In September of 2007, Laurentian University’s Senate voted to condemn the suggested boycott of Israeli universities by Britain’s University and College Union. The University released a statement which read “Laurentian upholds the fundamental principle of freedom of speech and enquiry, and defends the open exchange of ideas among academics.” It further stated:
President Dr. Judith Woodsworth joins her voice to other university presidents and chancellors world-wide in expressing disapproval of the boycott: “I believe that the freedom to debate ideas, to listen and to learn from the views of others, is fundamental to the very existence of universities, and is more likely, in a pluralistic world, to resolve conflicts and lead to mutual understanding, than simply closing down dialogue,” she stated. “Laurentian is committed, on its campus, to maintaining the freedom of individuals to study, teach and do research in a climate free of harassment, intimidation or discrimination, and regardless of anyone’s political opinions about the policies and practices of particular national governments.”
On June 8, 2020, evolutionary ecologist and Dean of Graduate Studies at Laurentian University David Lesbarrères sent out a now-deleted tweet that read, “And shockingly enough on our campuses, even white males receive racist comments about their past. Why can’t we all see that we were once a monkey, let alone bacteria? #AllLivesMatters [sic].”
The next day, Lesbarrères apologized, saying: “Last night, I issued a tweet that hurt many people. I apologize for my words and understand that I must educate myself further about #BlackLivesMatter and Tweeter [sic]. I did not know that # existed and now realize it is rooted in values I do not hold and that I strongly condemn.”
He added, “I pledge to continue to educate myself, continue the fight for inclusivity and against racism, and I apologize to all people I have hurt.”
The same day as the apology, Laurentian University President and Vice-Chancellor Robert Haché announced:
Yesterday, our Dean of Graduate Studies issued an inappropriate and offensive tweet. He has since apologized publicly for his comments which, by his own admission, have hurt many people in our Laurentian community and beyond. The University is following-up on this expeditiously and with the utmost care and attention.
On June 22, 2020, Haché released a second statement:
Further to my statement of June 9th condemning racism on campus, today I wish to communicate with the Laurentian community that Dr. David Lesbarrères will be stepping down from his day-to-day functions as Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies for an indeterminate period, effective immediately.
Interim arrangements for leadership of the Faculty of Graduate Studies will be communicated shortly. In the meantime, the functions of the Dean will be overseen by the Vice-President, Academic and Provost, Dr. Serge Demers.
In November 2019, an arbitrator found that Laurentian University violated academic freedom rights when they suspended Professor Michael Persinger from teaching in 2015. After university administration received a student complaint about Persinger, he was removed from teaching a psychology course. The complaint was in regards to how Persinger had asked students to sign a letter of understanding that his class may include harsh language and sexist content, a practice of his for the last 10 years he had been teaching. Persinger died in August 2018.
In September of 2007, Laurentian University’s Senate voted to condemn the suggested boycott of Israeli universities by Britain’s University and College Union. The University released a statement which read “Laurentian upholds the fundamental principle of freedom of speech and enquiry, and defends the open exchange of ideas among academics.” It further stated:
President Dr. Judith Woodsworth joins her voice to other university presidents and chancellors world-wide in expressing disapproval of the boycott: “I believe that the freedom to debate ideas, to listen and to learn from the views of others, is fundamental to the very existence of universities, and is more likely, in a pluralistic world, to resolve conflicts and lead to mutual understanding, than simply closing down dialogue,” she stated. “Laurentian is committed, on its campus, to maintaining the freedom of individuals to study, teach and do research in a climate free of harassment, intimidation or discrimination, and regardless of anyone’s political opinions about the policies and practices of particular national governments.”
Upholding students’ rights to free expression is not referenced in the Declaration of Principles of the SGA.
By-Law C-3 of the SGA states:
A club shall not be funded if it:
By-Law C-4 of the SGA states, “[clubs] may be disciplined for…Practices which are determined by the Board to be neglectful or dangerous in nature.”
SGA’s By-Law F-2, governing Referenda, states that “All materials must be approved by the CRO.”
The SGA does not take positions on issues outside of its mandate.
The authors are not aware of the SGA discriminating against students or student groups because of their views.
In the 2018–19 financial year,* Laurentian University received $80,063,000 in taxpayer dollars in the form of government grants. These taxpayer funds accounted for 41% of their annual revenue.
*Laurentian University did not make their 2019–20 financial statements available by the time of publication of the 2020 Campus Freedom Index.