The University of Waterloo is seeking members to establish a task force to develop principles for freedom of expression to ensure that we continue to maintain a respectful campus climate for the open exchange of ideas and viewpoints.
At present, we are guided by various policies that address freedom of expression, such as Policy 8 - Freedom of Expression, Policy 33 - Ethical Behaviour, as well as provincial and federal requirements for free speech, such as the Ontario Human Rights Commission and the Criminal Code on hate speech.
While these policies are helpful, we intend to develop distinct principles that provide our community with guidance on freedom of expression and respectful engagement designed to accompany our policies.
We aim:
- To review the University’s existing policies and practices related to freedom of expression
- To examine the current state of freedom of expression on the University’s campuses
- To carry out an environmental scan of work being done on freedom of expression by other U15 universities and elsewhere
- To develop principles guiding University members (faculty, staff, students) in upholding freedom of expression and in understanding the relationship between freedom of expression and academic freedom as components of an inclusive environment that fosters respectful engagement
- To develop principles that will ensure a campus climate of open dialogue and exchange of ideas
- To make the principles available on a webpage to which the University community can refer, and which will also hold related policies and institutional resources and positioning to maintain freedom of expression and respectful engagement.
Background
Freedom of expression is increasingly challenged in current political climates around the world, where we see events deemed controversial cancelled or speakers uninvited, where instructors might hesitate to discuss certain subjects with their students, or when students might feel reluctant to express their opinions freely. Often these situations are amplified through increased visibility and rapid exchange of information, misinformation, and disinformation via social media channels. Universities play a vital role in the ongoing development of open, democratic, and pluralistic societies and the broader knowledge economy, underscoring the need for guiding principles for free expression and respectful engagement.
Under the joint leadership of Drs. Scott Kline, Chair of the Department of Religious Studies and Christine McWebb, Associate Vice-President, Faculty Planning and Policy, this task force will review our existing policies and procedures and recommend guiding principles for freedom of expression and respectful engagement for the University of Waterloo.
The committee will consist of approximately 8-10 members, including:
- Faculty representation from the Faculties,
- Staff representation
- Representation from the student community
Faculty and staff members are invited to direct questions or self-nominate to serve on the task force by submitting a short expression of interest (no more than a paragraph) to Adrienne Dwyer (Adrienne.dwyer@uwaterloo.ca), Office of the Associate Vice-President, Faculty Planning and Policy by November 30, 2023.
The task force's outcomes will be shared with the University community for consultation. We aim to have outcomes also presented in draft form at the upcoming International Conference on “From Targeting in Academia to Promoting Trust and Understanding” (June 27-29, 2024).
Thank you in advance for your interest, and we look forward to your feedback and participation in this important initiative.
Terms of Reference
- Purpose and Objectives:
The University of Waterloo Freedom of Expression Task Force is established:
- To review the University’s existing policies and practices related to freedom of expression
- To examine the current state of freedom of expression on the University’s campuses
- To carry out an environmental scan of work being done on freedom of expression by other U15 universities and elsewhere
- To develop principles guiding University members (faculty, staff, students) in upholding freedom of expression and in understanding the relationship between freedom of expression and academic freedom as components of an inclusive environment that fosters respectful engagement
- To develop principles that will ensure a campus climate of open dialogue and exchange of ideas
- To make the principles available on a webpage to which the University community can refer, and which will also hold related policies and institutional resources and positioning to maintain freedom of expression and respectful engagement.
- Timeline:
The process to reach the objectives outlined above, including broad consultation with the university community and relevant stakeholders should ideally be concluded by May 31, 2024 in order to be able to present a draft version of the Principles of Freedom of Expression and Respectful Engagement at the International Conference on “From Targeting in Academia to Promoting Trust and Understanding” at the end of June, 2024.
- Reporting and Communication:
The task force shall provide regular updates on its progress as well as an environmental scan to the Office of the Vice-President Academic and Provost. The final report and recommended principles shall be submitted to the Office of the President.