Annual Report on Free Speech Policy: January 1, 2019 to August 1, 2019

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Introduction

We are pleased to provide this report on the implementation of Laurier’s free speech policy framework. The contents of this report cover the period from January 1, 2019 to August 1, 2019.

Institutional Culture and Policies

In 2018, Laurier undertook an intensive, highly consultative process to develop the university’s Statement on Freedom of Expression, culminating in approval by the Senate and endorsement by the Board of Governors. The Statement is the centrepiece of the institutional policy framework, which also includes relevant university policies and collective agreements.

The Statement on Freedom of Expression serves as an important guiding document at the institution and has influenced the direction of policy revision and policy interpretation. For example, in June 2019 the Board of Governors approved revisions to Policy 12.3, the Non-Academic Code of Conduct. During the revision process, the institution reviewed and reaffirmed the language in the code that addressed disruption and interference. In particular, the policy emphasizes that “students are expected to model good citizenship, and to engage in responsible and respectful conduct.” The list of prohibited conduct includes “disruption or obstruction by action, threat or otherwise, of any University activity including teaching, learning, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings, events, or any behaviour or conduct that disrupts the normal operations of the University and infringes on the rights of other members of the University community.” The revised procedures to the policy outline a clear process for the filing and investigation of complaints and the application of sanctions.

On the university’s public-facing policy website, the University Secretariat is the main point of contact for questions about policy interpretation. The Secretariat receives inquiries and directs any complaints as appropriate. The Office of Dispute Resolution and Sexual Violence Support reports to the University Secretary and receives inquiries and complaints on a wide variety of topics. This office is also responsible for liaising with the Ontario Ombudsman.

Based on the past year of experience, the university is confident that the Statement will be durable. The university continues to implement the Statement, in the sense that related policies are being evaluated for consistency with the Statement. For example, two complaints have been received relating to policy 4.10, Booking of University Space and Facilities, and a policy review is being initiated in response to ensure alignment.

During the 2018/19 academic year, Laurier hosted noted campus free speech expert, Dr. Sigal Ben-Porath from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Ben-Porath presented public lectures at the Brantford and Waterloo campuses and met with interested groups on campus. The visit was an opportunity for dialogue on some of the core concepts of the Statement on Freedom of Expression. In 2019/20, the university plans to host another speaker to continue to foster healthy discussion and debate about freedom of expression on campus and in society at large.

Events

See table 1 below for an estimate of the number of non-curricular events held during the reporting period.

The overwhelming majority of the over 4,000 events at the university during this period did not present any safety concerns. In order to identify events which have the potential to require security, events are screened based on the expected number of total participants, expected number of participants from outside the university, and the extent of external promotion. Events are then referred to Safety, Health, Environment and Risk Management (SHERM) and Special Constable Services (SCS) to determine whether an Event Safety and Security (ESS) plan needs to be completed. The ESS plan is completed in collaboration with the event organizer(s). When security is necessary to ensure that the event can proceed safely, the event organizer is notified of the incremental, direct costs of providing the security necessary for the event to proceed safely. If the organizer proceeds with the event, security is arranged by the university and the costs of security are invoiced to the event organizer.

During the reporting period, there were no cases that the university is aware of where a non-curricular event did not proceed due to cost or safety concerns. Approximately 20 events were referred to SHERM for further analysis of safety and security. In 7 cases, event organizers were charged a portion of the costs for providing security.

Complaints

There were no official complaints about free speech that resulted from organized campus events or incidents on campus during the reporting period. However, the university received two official complaints about Policy 4.10 alleging systemic issues with the policy. One complaint is directed at the policy’s provision for security fees to be charged to event organizers (in accordance with the procedures outlined above). A second complaint is directed at the process for event bookings by faculty and staff, in particular the provision for sign-off by a dean or manager. One of the two complaints was initially filed with the Ontario Ombudsman; however, the file was closed and the complainants referred back to the institution. The review of Policy 4.10 review is considering both complaints.