Carleton University Admin violates freedom of expression

[darkbeaver]

"Israeli Apartheid Week": Carleton University Administration violates free expression - bans and confiscates posters


Global Research, February 22, 2009

Carleton University Administration violates free expression - bans and confiscates posters
Write to Carleton University president to demand the restoration of student rights
February 18, 2009
On February 8, Students Against Israeli Apartheid at Carleton University put up 100 posters for "Israeli Apartheid Week", a series of lectures and public events that will occur on campuses in over 40 cities around the world. On February 9, these posters were taken down at the request of Carleton's Equity Services, under the rationale that the posters "could be seen to incite others to infringe rights protected in the Ontario Human Rights code" and are "insensitive to the norms of civil discourse in a free and democratic society"
The poster was created by noted cartoonist Carlos Latuff and depicts a situation - a child being killed by aerial bombardment ? that occurred over 430 times in Israel's latest attack on Gaza according to United Nations reports. We encourage everyone to view the poster. Since it depicts a situation that has a factual basis and its intention is cl

 

[Colpy]

"Israeli Apartheid Week": Carleton University Administration violates free expression - bans and confiscates posters


Global Research, February 22, 2009

Carleton University Administration violates free expression - bans and confiscates posters
Write to Carleton University president to demand the restoration of student rights
February 18, 2009
On February 8, Students Against Israeli Apartheid at Carleton University put up 100 posters for "Israeli Apartheid Week", a series of lectures and public events that will occur on campuses in over 40 cities around the world. On February 9, these posters were taken down at the request of Carleton's Equity Services, under the rationale that the posters "could be seen to incite others to infringe rights protected in the Ontario Human Rights code" and are "insensitive to the norms of civil discourse in a free and democratic society"
The poster was created by noted cartoonist Carlos Latuff and depicts a situation - a child being killed by aerial bombardment ? that occurred over 430 times in Israel's latest attack on Gaza according to United Nations reports. We encourage everyone to view the poster. Since it depicts a situation that has a factual basis and its intention is cl

Okay, DB, sit down, take a deep breath, try to focus, and prepare yourself for a shock.

I agree.

The censorship of ideas on a university campus is so completely outrageous........we are busily propping up the view that you have a right to free speech.....just as long as your ideas don't lay outside the mainstream.

Now, I have to ask......would you defend the right of anti-abortion activists to hang up posters of an aborted fetus to advertise pro-life gatherings?

Or how about letting Benjamin Netayahou speak....would you defend his right to make the case for attacking Gaza?

Or is it only the left that has a right to speak?

 

[tracy]

Isn't that the same school that had a riot when a former Israeli PM came to speak? If so, I can understand their reticence to allow this topic to be plastered all over the campus.

 

[Colpy]

Isn't that the same school that had a riot when a former Israeli PM came to speak? If so, I can understand their reticence to allow this topic to be plastered all over the campus.

That was Benjamin Netanyahou......about to be PM again....was it Carleton though?

I think it was, but could be mistaken.......

 

[tracy]

That was Benjamin Netanyahou......about to be PM again....was it Carleton though?

I think it was, but could be mistaken.......

I dunno either but thought it was. Either way, a university doesn't have to allow posters or anything like it. People shout about freedom of speech, but no one has absolute freedom of speech all the time. If I went into work tomorrow and started ripping on the Catholic church, I'd probably be spoken to by my manager if not outright fired. You have the right to your opinion 100% of the time. You don't have the right to put up posters expressing your opinion on school grounds.

 

[tracy]

It was actually Concordia, I looked it up (should've known it would be in Quebec). Either way, I still understand their position.

 

[Socrates the Greek]

The poster was created by noted cartoonist Carlos Latuff and depicts a situation - a child being killed by aerial bombardment ? that occurred over 430 times in Israel's latest attack on Gaza according to United Nations reports.


Good day DB, the Arabs are on record constantly looking to get even with the Jews, the Jews are of the mentality don’t get mad, don’t get even, just get better, any one adopting this philosophy has always benefited at the end.

The Arabs do not believe in a Unified MIDDLE EAST, maybe unified amongst the Arabs WITH OUT THE Jews in the region, but only the Arabs of the same practice religion, Muslim Arabs hate the Christian Arabs and thus the Middle East for the obvious reasons is the breading ground of hate on the face of this planet. Let’s not forget if Israel attacked Gaza 430 times that only confirms that Israel was provoked 430 times.

 

[Said1]

I didn't see any of those posters before they were taken down, BUT I did receive this:

Dear members of the Carleton community:

In recent days, several incidents have been brought to the University’s attention regarding behaviour that has been received by many as hurtful and discriminatory to some students on campus. These actions, which are a rare phenomenon at Carleton University, appear to be related to the serious and tragic conflict that recently took place in the Middle East.

As members of the Carleton community, you are all aware that universities across Canada take extraordinary measures to ensure their campuses remain the cornerstone of free speech and open civil dialogue. In this regard, Carleton University is both a champion and leader. You need to look no further than this current academic year to know that Carleton and its students are exceedingly capable of thoughtfully engaging in vigorous and sometimes contentious debates.

In protecting our community’s right to free speech, we must also be vigilant to ensure that our campus environment remains an entirely respectful one, where all students and other members of our community, regardless of their race, ethnic background or religion can achieve academic success and personal growth. They should be able to take part in their everyday activities without regard for who they are as a person, their beliefs, and their personal safety.

In stating this, I would like to make the following point very clear to all students as well as to our campus community in general. Carleton University, regardless of the circumstances, cannot and will not tolerate actions that infringe or contravene the Ontario Human Rights Code and Carleton’s own University Human Rights Policy and Procedures. Discrimination, harassment, and intolerance which take the form of inappropriately challenging or questioning a person’s race or beliefs are actions that are contrary to the mission of Carleton University and put in peril the essence of the Canadian university experience.

We understand that some events may be planned which may be related to some serious and emotional world issues. I would therefore ask everyone to take a few moments to become familiar with the Carleton University Human Rights Policy and Procedures and the Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy. Both documents play an important role at the University and provide us with guidance towards civil and collegial behaviour. However, they are also tools to be used to address inappropriate behaviours including discrimination and harassment. Among other sanctions that may be applied under these policies, students can be withdrawn from their studies indefinitely. Note that under the authority of these policies, all reported incidents of racial or religious intolerance will be investigated vigorously and addressed regardless of the persons or groups involved.

All members of the University community ought to be assured that the University will thoroughly investigate every complaint of inappropriate behavior, and will strictly monitor the use of University space to guard against discrimination, harassment and other activities in violation of relevant law and codes of conduct.

Above all else, universities are meant to be institutions that facilitate and encourage open academic discourse. Importantly, the imperative nature of these discussions go hand in hand with the responsibility to conduct ourselves in a manner that is respectful and that is consistent with the inherent values of Canada. Please join me and your fellow students in making every effort to ensure that Carleton’s campus remains a model of tolerance to which other institutions, both in Canada and abroad, will continue to aspire.

Yours sincerely,

Feridun Hamdullahpur
Interim Provost and Vice-President (academic)

Obviously, some of the Jewish and Muslim students don't get along so well when it comes to the ME, Israel and of course, history. I had to sit through their debates......we should have been allowed to drink in that class.

 

[darkbeaver]

"Importantly, the imperative nature of these discussions go hand in hand with the responsibility to conduct ourselves in a manner that is respectful and that is consistent with the inherent values of Canada."

Canada has proved beyond any doubt that it has no values inherant or otherwise that it will not sell adjust or ignor when it suits the political position of the day. It's continued subserviant stance with regard to the wishes of it's Israeli allie in crimes against humanity and its support for its murderous Genocidal regime are certainly not worth preservation and only serve to shame and debase Canadians further.

 

[Vicious]

Isn't that the same school that had a riot when a former Israeli PM came to speak? If so, I can understand their reticence to allow this topic to be plastered all over the campus.

I respectfully disagree. They are in fact punishing the speaker who did not incite the riot and letting the rioters go free. It's a bit backwards. The appropriate action is to debate those who say something that you disagree with. Ultimately the rioters should be held responsible for their actions (damages and injuries). If you stop controversial people from speaking, in fear of a riot you are punishing the wrong people and supporting mob rule.

 

[einmensch]

Israel is not a religion and Israel is not a race. Palestine is not a religion and is not a race.
The poster reflects : occurred over 430 times in Israel's latest attack on Gaza according to United Nations reports-
Sounds like a protest to Israel's Gaza attack. Why is religion and race brought into the equation?
Was there a problem with South Africa Apatheid Posters or speeches?