Saint Paul University

University policies

In November 2018, to meet its obligations to the Ontario government, Saint Paul University passed a new Free Expression Policy which states:

1. Statement of Principle

Freedom of expression is one of the values that define Saint Paul University. Indeed, the University encourages open dialogue enabling critical thought, supported by intellectual integrity and ethical judgment.

2. Regulation

On the basis of this statement of principle, no one is to suffer reprisal for expressing their opinions. This freedom of expression is, however, governed by various University regulations and policies, as well as by municipal, provincial and federal regulations and laws. In particular, the University expects everyone to:

• comply with all applicable regulations, policies and laws;

• communicate respectfully, without seeking to offend, humiliate or insult;

• refrain from uttering threats or attempting to intimidate others physically;
• refrain from intervening in an untimely manner, thereby disrupting or interrupting an activity and interfering with the freedom of expression of others.

The Saint Paul University Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination in the Workplace and Learning Environment policy defines “discriminatory harassment” and “psychological harassment”:

5.3 Discriminatory harassment: Vexatious comments or actions when the author of these comments or actions knows or should reasonably know to be unwelcome. These include comments or actions based on any of the prohibited grounds specified in article 5.2, and when the author of these words or gestures knows or should reasonably know that they are offensive, embarrassing, humiliating, degrading or unwelcome.

Examples of discriminatory harassment include but are not limited to the following: 

• comments, jokes or references to race, disability, religion or age of a person or any other prohibited grounds of discrimination; 
• posting or distributing offensive images, graffiti or content related to any prohibited ground of discrimination, whether in print, by email or other electronic means; 
• making a person a scapegoat to humiliate or demean by teasing or joking because they belong to a protected group; 
• mocking a person because of their clothing, language or other characteristics related to a prohibited ground of discrimination. 

5.4 Psychological harassment: Psychological harassment occurs either through repeated hostile or unwanted behaviours, words, actions or gestures which undermine the dignity or psychological or physical integrity of a member of the University community and which create, for that person, a harmful work or study environment. 

Among behaviours that could be considered psychological harassment are: 

• comments or actions meant to scorn, cheapen, mock or intimidate; 
• threats, bashing, humiliation, repeated innuendo, unfounded accusations, exclusion; 
• remarks or actions meant to degrade human potential or physical and intellectual abilities; 
• abusive monitoring of a person’s comings and goings, to the point of following or waiting for a person; 
• inappropriate behavior on social media.

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

University practices

In November of 2017, Saint Paul University (SPU) cancelled a contracted screening of an award-winning documentary film. The film, Vessel, tells the story of Rebecca Gomperts, a doctor who began providing abortions at sea after witnessing the dangers women seeking abortions face in countries where the procedure is illegal.

Since 2011, organizers behind the festival Choice have booked the amphitheater at Saint Paul University to host panels and film screenings with the goal of sparking discussion and better awareness of the options available in birth and child-rearing. Past films have included documentaries about breastfeeding, maternal mental health, myths about childbirth and different methods of giving birth.

A spokesperson for Saint Paul University reported to media that “the decision was made to ask the organizers to find a different venue because the university has a policy of not holding events on campus that could be polarizing or that have the potential to bring protesters.”

In March of 2011, Saint Paul’s University invited then-secretary general of Amnesty International, Alex Neve, to give the keynote address at an event to mark the opening of the University’s new Centre for Conflict Studies.

The talk, Resolving and Preventing Conflict: The ‘Rights’ Way, was opposed by some alumni and faculty of Saint Paul’s, due to statements Mr. Neve had made in support of abortion.  The University did not officially respond to the complaints, but the event went on as scheduled and without interruption.

Student union policies

The Saint Paul University Students’ Association (SPUSA) does not list upholding free expression as one of its objectives.

SPUSA defers management of non-academic student life to the University and its policies.

SPUSA does not take political stances on issues outside of its mandate.

Student union practices

The authors are not aware of cases of the Saint Paul’s University Students’ Association limiting or restricting campus free speech rights, or discriminating against students or clubs on the basis of their opinion. However, the Students' Association failed to defend free expression against the University's decision to cancel a film screening on campus.

In the 2018–19 financial year,* Saint Paul University received $7,861,613 in taxpayer dollars in the form of government grants. These taxpayer funds accounted for 36.1% of their annual revenue.

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