Saint Mary’s University

University policies

Freedom of expression is not referenced in the Saint Mary’s University (SMU) Vision, Mission, Core Values, or 2017-2022 Strategic Plan.

SMU’s Code of Student Conduct notes that one of the university’s objectives is “to provide an atmosphere of freedom, responsibility and mutual respect in the University community.”

SMU’s Policy on the Prevention and Resolution of Harassment and Discrimination (Discrimination Policy) allows professors and students to learn about controversial ideas, so long as discussion is in a “mutually respectful” and “non-coercive” manner, as per this reference on page 14:

This policy is not to be applied in such a way as to detract from the right of faculty, staff and students to engage in the frank discussion of potentially controversial matters. This policy is not intended to limit or prohibit debate, instructional techniques, or the assignment of readings that advocate controversial positions, provided that discussion and instruction are conducted in a mutually respectful and non-coercive manner. This policy also recognizes the right to teach according to one’s best judgment, within the bounds of the course calendar description and requirements of competency.

SMU’s Code of Student Conduct includes as Misconduct, “the use of abusive or offensive language or gestures at University sponsored functions.” It also prohibits “[c]onduct which threatens or endangers the health, safety or well-being of anyone in their capacity as a member of the university community on or off campus.”

The Code provides a disruption clause, prohibiting “[i]ntentional obstruction or disruption of any University sponsored function, including disciplinary proceedings held in accordance with these regulations.”

The Poster Policy, which is administered jointly by Facilities Management and the Saint Mary’s University’s Student Association (SMUSA), restricts posters from being placed on campus “which could damage the reputation of the university”.

The authors are not aware of Saint Mary’s University providing funding or resources to groups, departments, committees, or other bodies that engage in ideological advocacy.

University practices

On January 27, 2014, a University of King’s College journalism publication reported on tweets made by members of SMU’s football team which condemned homosexuality, mocked sexual consent, and degraded women and racial minorities. One of the tweets said “bitch get on yo knees” while another said “See a girl feeling down? Feel her up.” SMU suspended six of its football players because of the tweets, and noted that comments made on social media will be covered by SMU’s Code of Student Conduct.

On September 6, 2013, following the “rape-chant” scandal involving Saint Mary’s University Students’ Association leaders, SMU announced it would be hearing disciplinary charges against two students involved in the chants, alleging that they had violated section 7(b) of the Student Code of Conduct. SMU’s statement reads:

Two student organizers will face a disciplinary hearing following an orientation week event involving a sexually inappropriate chant at Saint Mary’s University.  A formal complaint was received Friday, September 6. The complaint alleges violations of the Student Code of Conduct for the use of abusive or offensive language or gestures at University sponsored functions…As per University policy, the names of the individuals involved will not be released.

SMU will not publish the results of the disciplinary hearing.

On February 5, 2009, Jose Ruba of the Canadian Centre for Bio-Ethical Reform gave a pro-life speech at SMU.  Protesters filled the auditorium on campus and were so loud that Ruba was forced to write his messages on a computer and use a projector screen to communicate with the audience.  SMU Security did nothing to restrain or silence the disruptive protesters, except to notify police of what was happening.  When three police officers arrived, they were able to settle the crowd, but after the police left the protesters became disruptive once again.  The protesters refused to leave the auditorium, and Ruba himself ended up leaving the building and finishing his speech in a church on the edge of campus, which is not part of SMU property.

The university issued a press release on February 9 describing the need to move the event to the nearby church “regrettable,” but SMU President Colin Dodds expressly refused to invite Jose Ruba back to campus to provide him with a fair opportunity to present his views without disruption.  The release also stated the university was reviewing the incident, although no findings have ever been made public.

In February of 2006, a now retired SMU philosophy professor, Peter March, posted the well-known “Danish cartoon” about the prophet Mohammed to his office door.  He was ordered to take down the cartoon by the academic president and vice president.  March was also charged security fees by the University when he tried to host a lecture on campus about Islam and Democracy. Another philosophy professor, Dr. Mark Mercer (an outspoken supporter of free speech on campus), defended his fellow professor, but was unable to change the minds of the SMU administration.

Student union policies

The Saint Mary’s University Students’ Association (SMUSA) does not reference free expression in their Mission or Vision statements. 

Section 11(b) of the Elections Policy states “The CRO [Chief Returning Officer] must see and approve all campaign material before a candidate may use it in their campaign”, subjecting candidates to the sole discretion of the CRO.

The authors are not aware of any policy found in the SMUSA Society Policy that could be used to discriminate against student societies based on belief, opinion, or philosophy.

SMUSA does not take positions on political issues outside its mandate.

Student union practices

The Saint Mary’s Student Association (SMUSA) made national headlines in September 2013 after a video was posted on social media showing first-year students and others chanting about the rape of underage girls. The chant spelled out the word “young” with “U is for underage, N is for no consent” and included the line, “SMU boys, we like them young.”

In the wake of the incident, two SMUSA executives, including its president, apologized and resigned. Two students faced disciplinary action by the University (see “University Practices”).

In September of 2012, SMUSA did not allow the registered student group, SMUdent Gaming Society, to advertise their upcoming social event because of the image of a pistol contained on the advertisement poster.  The poster, which was designed to attract new students who enjoyed gaming to join the society, contained images of a Nintendo game controller, as well as a Zapper, a gray-and-red electronic pistol that came with the 1985 Nintendo Entertainment System.  SMUSA executive Michael MacDonnell explained the student union’s decision to censor the poster:

What we have to remember here is that a picture speaks 1,000 words, it crosses all language barriers.  And, that being said, a picture depicting or making light of gun violence is something that we as an association are not willing to endorse.

MacDonnell further commented that, “We, as SMUSA, the students association here, have a responsibility to our students as well as our societies to ensure that everything remains tasteful and appropriate.”

In November 2010, SMUSA President Matt Anderson ordered a pro-life club’s authorized display be removed from campus.  Anderson ordered a sign that read “Women Do Regret Abortion” to be removed because of complaints from students that they had been offended by the message.  In a letter to the campus paper, the Journal, Anderson stated that the sign violated SMUSA’s mission statement: “To maximize the positive university experience for its students and provide assistance in overcoming the challenges they may face.”  He further stated that the sign had to be removed because of the “absolutist nature” of the message, eluding that if the sign had read “Some Women Regret Abortion” instead, it wouldn’t have been removed.  The students complied with the actions of SMUSA, but did so under protest.

In the 2018–19 financial year,* Saint Mary’s University received $56,614,000 in taxpayer dollars in the form of government grants. These taxpayer funds accounted for 34% of their annual revenue.

*Saint Mary’s University did not make their 2019–20 financial statements available by the time of publication of the 2020 Campus Freedom Index.