Royal Roads University
| Year | University Policies | University Practices | Student Union Policies | Student Union Practices |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | d | f | c | c |
| 2019 | d | c | b | b |
| 2018 | d | c | c | c |
- School
- Student Association
- Public Funding Information
University policies
Free expression and academic freedom are not referenced in the Mission, Vision and Goals statements of Royal Roads University. However, in the Intellectual Property Policy, “academic freedom” is mentioned as one of the University’s values.
Royal Roads University’s Student Organization Policy states:
Student organizations that are granted status by the University have the responsibility to:
- Conduct their business in a manner consistent with the educational mandate of the University and in keeping with socially accepted standards of behaviour
- Protect the University’s reputation and legal liability
The Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy lists Guidelines for students:
1.0 Students have the right to engage in free and open intellectual inquiry.
[...]
3.0 Students have the right to a University community characterized by mutual respect and equal opportunity.
4.0 Students have the responsibility to treat all members of the University community with respect, in learning environments and in all other interactions. Students have the responsibility not to engage in behaviour that a reasonable person should reasonably know is unsafe or inappropriate and not to intimidate, interfere with, threaten or otherwise obstruct any University activity, nor to hinder members of the University community in the pursuit of their legitimate activities.
[…]
7.0 Students have the right to use University facilities and resources designated for students and to enjoy the University campus.
[…]
9.0 Students have the right to an environment that is free from interference and disruption, while enjoying the right to dissent, and the right to peaceful assembly.
The University’s Posting and Solicitation Policy states:
- No political advertising will be permitted (excluding student and staff elections).
…
- The University reserves the right to determine the acceptability of signs, posters and/or markings shown on bulletin boards, residence room doors and residence lounges. Any signs, posters and/or markings which are pornographic, racist, homophobic, degrading to men or women or which a reasonable person may find offensive are not acceptable. These signs must be removed immediately at the request of the University or a representative of the University.
Royal Roads University maintains a Diversity Action Group (DAG), a group that:
...champions inclusivity and the full participation of all members in the life of the University community. The DAG raises awareness, informs and educates the University community on the experience of people from diverse backgrounds, highlighting issues and creating opportunities to explore these. The DAG conducts a community consultation on the Diversity Statement every three years and makes recommendations for changes as appropriate. The DAG is recognized and supported by the RRU Executive and reports to the President, through the Vice-President, Academic & Provost.
University practices
In June 2020, in response to entrepreneur W. Brett Wilson tweeting that Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi won his mayorship by playing the “race card”, the official Royal Roads University Twitter account released a statement saying:
Royal Roads has been deeply disturbed by the comments made on social media by Mr. W. Brett Wilson. Such comments are inconsistent with RRU’s values and the president’s recent statement on anti-racism.
Mr. Wilson was presented with an honorary degree from Royal Roads University in 2010. We are considering our next steps in this matter.
Student union policies
The Royal Roads University Student Association (RRUSA) Constitution does not reference free expression or academic freedom. Policies governing student organizations, posters and events are administered by the University, and the RRUSA does not have a website independent from the University. The RRUSA has not taken political stances on issues not related to its mandate.
Student union practices
The authors are not aware of cases of the RRUSA limiting or restricting campus free speech rights, or discriminating against students or clubs on the basis of their opinion.
In the 2019–20 financial year, Royal Roads University received $21,689,385 in taxpayer dollars in the form of government grants. These taxpayer funds accounted for 28% of their annual revenue.