In November 2023, the University launched a Freedom of Expression and Respectful Engagement Task Force to develop principles of freedom of expression for the University of Waterloo to help ensure we maintain a campus environment for open inquiry and exchange, free expression, and inclusive engagement.
The Report documents 24 general principles to advance and guide the review and development of policies, guidelines, and processes essential to an enabling campus environment that fosters freedom of expression and inclusive engagement.
The Report also presents 16 recommendations for the University Community to consider in its ongoing work to uphold freedom of expression and inclusive engagement.
Read the task force report
Background
The Vice-President, Academic and Provost announced the creation of The Freedom of Expression and Respectful Engagement Task Force on November 30, 2023, with a mandate to review and update the University’s existing policies and practices, and to develop principles of freedom of expression to ensure that the University maintains a campus environment that promotes a culture of robust intellectual exchange, open inquiry, and free expression.
The co-chairs, Dr. Scott Kline and Dr. Christine McWebb, announced the Task Force membership on January 19, 2024. In total, the Task Force met formally 11 times over the period between January 24, 2024 and June 7, 2024.
From March 13 to 28, 2024, the Task Force conducted a series of focus groups, held both in-person and online. The TF also received community input through an anonymous online form, which remained open from mid-March through May 30, 2024.
The final report was shared with the University of Waterloo community on June 19, 2024.
Task Force membership
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Scott Kline, Chair and Associate Professor, Religious Studies; University of Waterloo Academic Colleague to the Council of Ontario Universities (co-chair)
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Christine McWebb, Associate Vice-President, Faculty Planning and Policy (co-chair)
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Wasem Alsabbagh, Associate Professor, Pharmacy
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Daniel E. Davison, Associate Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering
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Maura R. Grossman, Research Professor, Cheriton School of Computer Science
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Neela Hassan, President, Graduate Student Association
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Julie Joza, Director, Office of Research Ethics
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Laura Mae Lindo, Assistant Professor, Philosophy, Gender and Social Justice
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Emmett Macfarlane, Professor, Political Science
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Beth Sandore Namachchivaya, University Librarian
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Rory Norris, President, Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association
Supported by Jennifer Dalicandro, Administrative Assistant, Office of Faculty Planning and Policy