Free Expression Policy
On August 30, 2018, the Office of the Ontario Premier issued a news release directing universities across the province to develop and post institutional freedom of speech policies by January 1, 2019.
The news release stated that there would be annual monitoring regarding compliance and penalties for non-compliance.
Lakehead University already has policies and agreements regarding the rights of employees and students to academic freedom, and freedom from undue interference, harassment, discrimination and physical harm. While the University has always encouraged free expression on its campuses, it did not have a formal policy on this point as required by the directive.
After discussion with other universities and a review of Lakehead University’s policies in light of the provincial directive, a determination was made that a policy statement was necessary to fully
address the government’s requirements.
The Lakehead University Free Expression Policy is intended to fill this narrow gap without changing any existing rights or responsibilities of employees and students.
The policy states that the University is committed to providing an environment in which individuals and groups can express themselves, provided the content or manner of that expression is not contrary to law and does not interfere with free expression of others. The policy also affirms that existing policies and procedures for handling complaints will apply.