McMaster releases draft 'freedom of expression' guidelines after campus protests
McMaster University has released draft "freedom of expression" guidelines that outline "acceptable" methods to protest appearances by polarizing figures like Jordan Peterson.
The document was created by the university's "committee on protest and freedom of expression" in response to an increasingly polarized political and social climate where protests on campus are becoming more heated.
The committee was formed in the wake of an appearance on campus last year by Peterson, a controversial University of Toronto professor.
Peterson was making an appearance for what was supposed to be an academic debate about freedom of speech and political correctness, especially in academic settings. Some take issue with his beliefs, like his objection to the use of genderless pronouns and laws that would require him to use them.
The debate quickly turned into a shouting match as Peterson struggled to be heard over clanging cowbells, blowing air horns and chanting protestors. One person was seen blowing an air horn very close to Peterson's ear. Another person reportedly threw glitter on his face and suit.
"As an academic community, it is crucial that McMaster's campus is a place where a diverse range of opinions and perspectives can be held, and where respectful debate and critical inquiry are able to flourish in an atmosphere of mutual tolerance and understanding," the committee's report says.
"The temptation to 'shut down' or prevent events from occurring is troubling. Censorship is not an option. There are very narrow grounds under which McMaster should restrict or stop a speaker or an event, essentially those dealt with in federal and provincial laws governing harassment, libel, slander and hate speech."
McMaster releases draft 'freedom of expression' guidelines after campus protests - Hamilton - CBC News
McMaster University has released draft "freedom of expression" guidelines that outline "acceptable" methods to protest appearances by polarizing figures like Jordan Peterson.
The document was created by the university's "committee on protest and freedom of expression" in response to an increasingly polarized political and social climate where protests on campus are becoming more heated.
The committee was formed in the wake of an appearance on campus last year by Peterson, a controversial University of Toronto professor.
Peterson was making an appearance for what was supposed to be an academic debate about freedom of speech and political correctness, especially in academic settings. Some take issue with his beliefs, like his objection to the use of genderless pronouns and laws that would require him to use them.
The debate quickly turned into a shouting match as Peterson struggled to be heard over clanging cowbells, blowing air horns and chanting protestors. One person was seen blowing an air horn very close to Peterson's ear. Another person reportedly threw glitter on his face and suit.
"As an academic community, it is crucial that McMaster's campus is a place where a diverse range of opinions and perspectives can be held, and where respectful debate and critical inquiry are able to flourish in an atmosphere of mutual tolerance and understanding," the committee's report says.
"The temptation to 'shut down' or prevent events from occurring is troubling. Censorship is not an option. There are very narrow grounds under which McMaster should restrict or stop a speaker or an event, essentially those dealt with in federal and provincial laws governing harassment, libel, slander and hate speech."
McMaster releases draft 'freedom of expression' guidelines after campus protests - Hamilton - CBC News
