Supports at the University for those members of the community who may be offended by ideologies protected as free speech or expression
Associations, offices and units offering support
- Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA)
- Graduate Student Association GSA-UW
- Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism
- Faculty Association (FAUW)
- Staff Association
- Anti-Racism Unit
- Office of Indigenous Relations
- Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office
- Conflict Management and Human Rights Office
- Associate Deans
University services offering support
News
Antisemitic posters being removed from campus
Early this morning (Wednesday, October 2), community members reported the presence of numerous posters placed across campus to University’s Special Constable Service (SCS). Some of these posters contain imagery which is antisemitic, and they are being removed as quickly as possible.
Special Constables are investigating. If SCS are able to identify individuals who placed these posters they will face consequences in accordance with University policy. We have informed Waterloo Region Police Service and we will keep them informed of our progress.
Freedom of Expression action plan
Freedom of Expression action plan. In June, we updated the University community on the progress of the Freedom of Expression and Inclusive Engagement Task Force, which had concluded its work and issued a final report.The Task Force report outlined 24 general principles and 16 recommendations to help guide the University in its ongoing work to maintain a campus environment for open inquiry and exchange, free expression and inclusive engagement.We are pleased to share more details about the University’s next steps and plan for implementing the recommendations of the task force.
Freedom of expression and inquiry at Waterloo
A message from Vivek Goel, President and Vice-Chancellor
September 3, 2024
Creating and upholding an environment of free expression and inquiry is central to our purpose as a university. The University of Waterloo’s mission – enshrined in the University of Waterloo Act – is to advance learning and knowledge through teaching, research, and scholarship, nationally and internationally, in an environment of free expression and inquiry.
As an academic institution, this is the place to examine, discuss, debate, and communicate issues in a safe, inclusive environment where all are free to express themselves. In addition to classroom discussions, public lectures and other core university activities, the right to free expression includes peaceful assembly and protest.