Task Force

We invite members of the University community to provide their perspectives on freedom of expression and the principles that are foundational to the exercise of that freedom by attending one of the upcoming open focus groups, either in-person or online.

These sessions are open to faculty, staff and students.

In January 2024, the University launched a task force to develop the University of Waterloo’s Principles for Freedom of Expression and Respectful Engagement. 

These principles, as outlined in the Terms of Reference, are meant to help create a campus climate of open dialogue and the respectful exchange of ideas.

The task force will develop these principles in consultation with the University community and present a draft at the upcoming international conference, “From Targeting in Academia to Promoting Trust and Understanding” (June 27 to 28, 2024).

Members

• (Co-chair): Christine McWebb, Associate Vice-President, Faculty, Planning and Policy
• (Co-chair): Scott Kline, Department Chair and Associate Professor, Religious Studies
• Wasem Alsabbagh, Associate Professor, Pharmacy 
• Dan Davison, Associate Professor, Engineering
• Maura Grossman, Research Professor, Cheriton School of Computer Science
• Neela Hassan, President, Graduate Student Association
• Julie Joza, Director, Office of Research Ethics Science  
• Laura Mae Lindo, Assistant Professor, Philosophy and Gender Studies 
• Emmett Macfarlane, Professor, Political Science
• Rory Norris, President, Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association
• Beth Sandore Namachchivaya, University Librarian 

Contact the Task Force

We look forward to collaborating with members of the task force and the University community as we work on this important initiative.

To share your ideas, comments, and questions with the Freedom of Expression and Respectful Engagement Task Force, please write to us at avpfpp@uwaterloo.ca.