Free Expression Task Force

In NovemberÌý2023, the University launched aÌýFreedom of ExpressionÌýand Respectful EngagementÌýTask Force t´ÇÌý»å±ð±¹±ð±ô´Ç±èÌýprinciples of freedom of expression for the University ofÌýÀ¶Ý®ÊÓƵÌýto help ensureÌýweÌýmaintainÌýa 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.Ìý

The Report also presents 16 recommendations for the University Community to consider in its ongoing work to uphold freedom of expression and inclusive engagement.ÌýÌý

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.ÌýÌý

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.Ìý

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.ÌýÌý

The final report was shared with the University of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ community on June 19, 2024.Ìý

Task Force membership

  • Scott Kline, Chair and Associate Professor, Religious Studies; University of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ Academic Colleague to the Council of Ontario Universities (co-chair)Ìý

  • Christine McWebb, Associate Vice-President, Faculty Planning and Policy (co-chair)Ìý

  • Wasem Alsabbagh, Associate Professor, PharmacyÌý

  • Daniel E. Davison, Associate Professor, Electrical and Computer EngineeringÌý

  • Maura R. Grossman, Research Professor, Cheriton School of Computer ScienceÌý

  • Neela Hassan, President, Graduate Student AssociationÌý

  • Julie Joza, Director, Office of Research EthicsÌý

  • Laura Mae Lindo, Assistant Professor, Philosophy, Gender and Social JusticeÌý

  • Emmett Macfarlane, Professor, Political ScienceÌý

  • Beth Sandore Namachchivaya, University LibrarianÌý

  • Rory Norris, President, À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ Undergraduate Student AssociationÌý

Supported by Jennifer Dalicandro, Administrative Assistant, Office of Faculty Planning and PolicyÌý