CAUT Report on Freedom of Speech, Academic Freedom, and Governance at York University

Ricardo Grinspun

The Canadian Association of University Teachers appointed the "CAUT Ad Hoc Investigatory Committee into governance and academic freedom at York University" in 2005: (1) To determine whether there were threats to, or breaches of, right of free expression and academic freedom at York University; (2) To determine whether there were inappropriate governance practices; and (3) To make any appropriate recommendations. The committee members were Rebecca Coulter, Associate Professor of Education, The University of Western Ontario, and Kenneth Field, Head, Access Services, Bata Library, Trent University.

The June 2008 report has never been distributed, and it appears there was an agreement between York University, the York University Faculty Association (YUFA), and CAUT, to not distribute it. The entire report is available in the internet, including at the University of Ottawa Watch website. A copy is also available here.

The following article appeared recently in CAUT Bulletin:

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Committee Concludes Investigation into Freedom of Expression at York University; York University agrees to move forward on committee recommendations to improve free expression on campus.

A CAUT ad hoc investigatory committee has completed its three-year investigation into allegations of threats to freedom of expression at York University that began in 2004.

The report by committee members Rebecca Coulter, a professor of education at the University of Wes­tern Ontario, and Kenneth Field, circulation librarian at Trent University’s Bata Library, concluded there was a basis to the al­le­gations, but expressed optimism that the sit­uation was improving under the leadership of newly-installed York president Mahmoud Shoukri following his handling of a student sit-in this spring.

CAUT’s executive director, James Turk, wel­comed the report and said its proposals would improve freedom of expression to the benefit of the entire York community.

The committee recommended that CAUT and the York University Faculty Association meet with university administrators to discuss ways to protect academic freedom and free expression on campus and assure collegial governance.

Among other things, the committee suggested a review of a variety of university policies to ensure they do not restrict open debate, the ability of all members of the York commu­nity to voice dissent in a range of ways, and the opportunity for students to learn and prac­tise political engagement and citizenship. In this area, the committee additionally recommended that York develop a clear policy about the role and use of police on campus and use all means available to publicize the text of the policy.

The committee also proposed that CAUT urge the university to provide comprehensive leadership edu­ca­tion opportunities and support for administrators at all levels and in all units to develop the know­­ledge and skills that would allow them to fulfil their obligations in a collegial manner.

Finally, because of fears and concerns the committee heard from newly-appointed faculty members, the report recommends that the faculty association leadership engage in a process of union renewal and explore strategies for reconnecting members to foster trust and confidence that their rights and interests can and will be protected in the workplace.

“We commend the committee for its work in preparing the report for CAUT’s Academic Freedom and Tenure Committee,” Turk said.

He also said he and CAUT president Penni Stewart were pleased with a meeting that took place at York last month between CAUT and university and faculty associ­ation officials.

“All parties willingly embraced the recommendations and agreed to move forward in a positive spirit,” Turk said. “We think the unfortunate experiences of the past provided some valuable lessons that will help prevent similar problems at York in future. CAUT will be happy to work with the parties in any way necessary as they implement the committee’s recommendations.”

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It is noteworthy that the CAUT Bulletin article does not say the report will be released. YUFA and York administration have not communicated on this matter. There is silence from the three organizations as to how and when the recommendations will be implemented.

Is the "embracing" of the report and its recommendations simply a public relations exercise to bury the report? It would be quite ironic that a report on the suppression of free speech at York was itself suppressed!

We hope our skepticism is unfounded. We are still waiting for the public release of the report and for York administration and YUFA to inform how they will implement the important recommendations from the investigatory committee.

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