Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

NEWS

Institutional Stewardship Initiatives

Freedom of Speech

In 2019, the Board of Governors released a Statement on Freedom of Expression at the University of Alberta that commits to free expression, including non-violent protest and dissent. 

The University of Alberta provides a neutral platform and safe space for different political stakeholders to come together to discuss challenges.  These spaces are protected by two policies:

• Statement on Freedom of Expression at the University of Alberta.
• The Short-Term Casual Event Booking Procedure prioritizes intellectual freedom and freedom of speech: “The University values the expression of diverse points of view. Where the event is lawful and compliant with University policies and procedures, content will not be a factor in determining approval to use University space for short-term casual events unless the event competes with existing University programs.”

Examples of these spaces include: 

1. University of Alberta Centres and Institutes. Representing a diverse range of research expertise, the U of A Centres and Institutes engages in scholarship and advances the mission of the University of Alberta through specific attention to particular areas of study or research.
2. The Department of Political Science hosts a variety of events and workshops.
3. The Annual Hertig Lecture Series provides a national platform at the University of Alberta to promote informed dialogue about the choices and values that will shape the future of Canada.
4. Over 300 Student Clubs where students with common interests can meet.

Visiting Lectureship in Human Rights

Each year, University of Alberta International invites an individual or organization that has made an outstanding contribution in the field of human rights and human rights protection to deliver a major public lecture in Edmonton. The first Lectureship, held in the fall of 1998, coincided with the 50th anniversary of the proclamation of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights. Speakers have included Desmond Tutu, Louise Arbour, Romeo Dallaire, Irene Khan, Wilton Littlechild, Mary Robinson, and Kwame Anthony Appiah.

🔗 U of A, City of Edmonton join international network of city-university partnerships

The MetroLab Network was launched as a result of the White House Smart Cities Initiative in 2015 as a way to share information, best practices and solutions to common challenges faced by cities around the world. Under each partnership, the university is the city's R&D department and the city is the test bed.

The University of Alberta also provides expert advice to local, regional and national governments through policy guidance, participation in committees and provision of evidence. Some notable examples are directly below. 

Research institutes, centres & projects

How police departments can identify and oust killer cops

U of A sociologist Temitope Oriola runs through the evidence and best practices for removing violent officers from the ranks of Canada’s police.

Alberta Land Institute

Founded at the University of Alberta, the Alberta Land Institute is an independent research institute that works with and contributes expert advice to all levels of government around the use of land, water and natural resources.