Freedom of Expression

On December 13, 2019, the Board of Governors formally approved the Statement on Free Expression at the University of Alberta. 

Statement on Freedom of Expression at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta actively fosters an inclusive culture committed to the expression of, exposure to, and debate of diverse points of view. Our campuses are forums for rigorous debate. Our work and study excel through exchange and collaboration. Our discourses and discoveries are enriched by the diversity of individuals, groups, disciplines, perspectives, approaches, and questions that characterize our community.

An Advisory Group on Free Expression was established to advise on the creation of a statement on free expression for our university community.  The group developed the Statement based on extensive consultation with our community. The Statement was endorsed by General Faculties Council on November 25. 

 


Frequently Asked Questions:

What is free expression? 

Free expression refers to the right to express yourself and your ideas. Free expression includes any verbal, written, oral, aural, visual, and artistic expression, as well as non-violent protest and dissent.

 

Why is a statement on free expression important?

Free expression is essential within a university community. A stand alone, university-wide statement clearly communicates and supports free expression within our post-secondary community and across our campuses. It re-affirms both the university’s fundamental commitment to free expression as foundational to teaching, learning, and research, as well as our commitment to inclusiveness and respect for human dignity.

 

Does free expression at the U of A apply to me?

Free expression is available to all members of our university community -- students, faculty, staff, alumni and visitors -- in accordance with Canadian and Alberta law and the university's principles, policies, and institutional Statement on Free Expression. 

 

Where can I find U of A policies and procedures regarding free expression?

Established in December 2019, the Statement on Freedom of Expression at the University of Alberta articulates our commitment to freedom of expression. The statement works in concert with the university’s full suite of policies, procedures, statements, agreements and codes of conduct. 

General sources of university-wide regulations and standards include UAPPOL, the University Calendar, staff agreements, university governance policies, standards and codes of  conduct​. Below are direct links to the policies, procedures and agreements more closely related to freedom of expression: 

Canvassing and Solicitation Policy

Code of Student Behaviour

Collective Agreements & Handbooks

Discrimination, Harassment and Duty to Accommodate Policy

Ethical Conduct and Safe Disclosure Policy

Signage Policy

Space Management Policy

Student Groups Procedure

 

What authority does the university have over events or other forms of expression on our campuses?

The university manages all campus spaces. Any activity taking place within university space -- whether hosted by a group affiliated with the university or not -- must comply with applicable laws and university policies. The university is also responsible for taking reasonable steps to ensure the safety of all members of the university community and its visitors, for ensuring the proper functioning of the university, for protecting and managing its property, and for exercising good stewardship of public resources. In the context of these responsibilities, the university can regulate the use of space, consistent with the values set out in the Statement on Freedom of Expression. 

The Statement on Freedom of Expression at the University of Alberta notes:

The university has the authority to restrict expression that violates law, causes the university to violate law, violates applicable university policies, procedures or collective agreements, falsely defames, constitutes a genuine threat or harassment, or unjustifiably violates privacy or confidentiality interests. The university may also regulate the time, place and manner of expression to ensure that it does not disrupt the ordinary activities of the university. However, this administrative discretion should not be exercised in a manner inconsistent with the University of Alberta’s overarching commitment to free expression.

To learn more about how the university manages its campuses or to make a booking request: 

  • See the Space Management Policy.
  • Consult your Director, Chair, administrative officer or facility manager.
  • Consult your student group representative or the Event Planning and Student Group Activities section of the Student Groups Procedure.

 

Can an event or activity be denied on campus if the administration or university community members disagree with opinions being expressed?

No. The University of Alberta actively fosters an inclusive culture committed to the expression of, exposure to, and debate of diverse points of view. Our campuses are forums for rigorous debate. Our work and study excel through exchange and collaboration. Our discourses and discoveries are enriched by the diversity of individuals, groups, disciplines, perspectives, approaches, and questions that characterize our community. However, as noted above, any activity taking place within university space -- whether hosted by a group affiliated with the university or not -- must comply with applicable laws and university policies.

Likewise, ideas and opinions presented on our campuses are neither a reflection of, nor an endorsement from, the university, unless otherwise stated.

 

Can I protest an event or activity?

As expressed in our Statement on Free Expression, the university remains committed to free expression in all forms of communication, including non-violent protest and dissent. Members of the university community have the right to criticize and question other views expressed on our campuses; however, they may not obstruct or otherwise interfere with others’ freedom of expression, and they must also comply with all applicable Canadian and Alberta laws and university policies. 

 

How is the university protecting community members from expressions of hate, harassment, or threats?

The University of Alberta is committed to fostering an environment that is free of discrimination and harassment. The university also has an obligation under law and ethical responsibilities as an institution of higher learning to provide a respectful environment for work, study, and living that supports dignity and equity for all community members. 

Beyond our formal policies, procedures, agreements and codes of conduct listed above, the University of Alberta seeks to support and maintain an informed community on issues of harassment and discrimination, as well as appropriate and adequate avenues of support for those affected by harassment or discrimination and those seeking support in maintaining a respectful environment. 


Offices leading efforts addressing discrimination and harassment include: 

Office of Safe Disclosure & Human Rights

Office of the Dean of Students 

Human Resources Services, and Human Resources Officers throughout the institution.

 

If you believe your personal safety is compromised or threatened, you may bring your concerns to: 

If there is a crime in progress or there is an immediate threat of physical harm or violence, call 911 immediately. 


The formal definitions of what constitutes discrimination and harassment can be found as part of the Discrimination, Harassment and Duty to Accommodate Policy.


Where would I report a violation of my freedom of expression?

Consult your Dean’s office, department chair, supervisor, Human Resource Services representative, or the Office of the Dean of Students. Concerns will be addressed through the applicable procedures outlined in our formal policies, collective agreements, and codes of conduct.

 

What is the relationship between free expression and academic freedom?

Academic freedom and free expression are both important concepts on university campuses, but they are not synonymous. As stated above, free expression includes any verbal, written, oral, aural, visual, and artistic expression, as well as non-violent protest and dissent. All members of our university community have the right to criticize and question other views expressed on our campuses. Academic freedom, in contrast, is a professional term applicable to scholars. At the University of Alberta, academic freedom is part of the collective academic agreement.

 

How was the Statement on Freedom of Expression at the University of Alberta developed?

In July 2019, Alberta Advanced Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides requested universities and colleges across the province strengthen free expression on campuses by formally adopting the Chicago Principles or developing their own policies that are compliant with the spirit of the Chicago Principles. The policies were required to be publicly posted by December 15, 2019. View the Letter from Minister Nicolaides (July 4, 2019).

An Advisory Group on Free Expression was established to advise on the creation of a statement on free expression for our university community. Throughout the fall of 2019, the Advisory Group invited members of the university community to share their thoughts through a variety of channels, including town halls, a consultation review workshop, email, and regular governance meetings. 

Following the University of Alberta’s typical governance process, the Advisory Group finalized a statement and submitted it to the General Faculties Council and subsequently to the Board of Governors requesting their respective endorsements. 


Who were the members of the Advisory Group on Free Expression?

The Advisory Group is chaired by the Deputy Provost and includes subject matter experts, members of the GFC Executive Committee, and key administrative portfolios:

Wendy Rodgers, Deputy Provost (Chair)
Yasmeen Abu-Laban, Professor, Department of Political Science
Joel Agarwal, Students' Union
Anne Bailey, Executive Director, University Relations
André Costopoulos, Vice-Provost and Dean of Students
Lesley Cormack, Dean of Arts
Dax D’Orazio, PhD Candidate, Department of Political Science
Mary Forhan, Associate Professor, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine
Bill Foster, Professor, Augustana
Brad Hamdon, General Counsel
David Johnson, Special Advisor, Faculty and Staff Relations
Logan Mardhani-Bayne, Strategic Development Manager, Office of the Provost
Toni Samek, Professor, Faculty of Education
Catherine Swindlehurst, Chief of Staff, Office of the President
Marc Waddingham, Graduate Students’ Association