The principle of academic freedom has long been considered a fundamental pillar of higher education. In its ideal realization, it allows scholars to explore, debate, and challenge ideas without fear of censorship or retribution. Universities, in turn, aspire to provide an environment where intellectual exploration can thrive, free from external pressures, be they political, social or ideological.
But while universities have historically championed academic freedom as the bedrock of intellectual inquiry, critics argue that academics increasingly feel pressured to self-censor. At the same time, efforts to protect free expression are sometimes perceived as coming at the expense of ensuring that marginalized groups are not subject to harm or discrimination. Universities around the world are grappling with the tension between upholding the values of academic freedom and addressing the demands of equity, diversity, and inclusive excellence (EDIE).
This is just one of the areas the Public Law Centre will explore in an upcoming workshop at the University of Ottawa, entitled “Navigating Academic Freedom on Campus: International, National and Local Perspectives.”
Organized in collaboration with the Human Rights Research and Education Centre, the Office of the Vice-Provost, Equity, Diversity and Inclusive Excellence and the Law Commission of Canada, this event will bring together a broad range of experts, scholars, and legal advocates to discuss the evolving nature of academic freedom in both Canadian and global contexts. Taking place at Fauteux Hall on Friday, March 21, 2025, the workshop will explore the intersection of academic freedom with EDIE efforts, as well as issues like extramural expression and labour law. By fostering dialogue among diverse voices, this workshop seeks to illuminate the challenges and opportunities in safeguarding academic freedom while promoting inclusive and equitable academic spaces.
One panel will look at legislative responses to these evolving challenges. Several provinces in Canada have recently introduced legislative initiatives aimed at protecting academic freedom. But these efforts are not without controversy. Some critics argue that these protections may inadvertently undermine the autonomy of universities, and that such laws could be used to justify discriminatory or harmful speech under the guise of academic freedom. Participants will examine the complexities of these measures.
These challenges are also not limited to Canada. Countries around the world are grappling with these debates, as the desire to curb hate speech, nationalism, and populist politics collides with a genuine fear of unlawfully suppressing dissenting voices and consequently eroding democratic values. A second panel will offer a global perspective on academic freedom, featuring scholars from Canada, Germany, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. Panelists will share insights on international legal frameworks and the challenges of protecting academic freedom worldwide.
A final panel will examine academic freedom and the enforcement of EDIE at the University of Ottawa. In our current climate, the task before all universities is to create spaces where diverse viewpoints can be expressed and debated, while also ensuring that vulnerable groups are not subjected to harm or discrimination. This delicate balancing act is worthy of scrutiny and open discussion.
As universities navigate this complex terrain, this workshop promises to offer a thoughtful and open forum for meaningful dialogue.
WHAT: Navigating Academic Freedom on Campus: International, National and Local Perspectives
WHEN: Friday, March 21, 2025
WHERE: University of Ottawa, Fauteux Hall, FTX 202 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Lunch will be served. The event will take place in English.
REGISTRATION: Registration for this event is limited. Priority will be given to participants who are able to attend the entirety of the workshop. You can register here. Please note that the registration form will ask for a short statement of interest.
For more information, please contact the Public Law Centre at [email protected].
This event is part of a series on fundamental freedoms organized for the 2024-2025 academic year by the Public Law Centre. Last fall, the Centre hosted a panel on the constitutionality of ag-gag laws (anti-whistleblower laws in the agricultural industry) and their implications for freedom of expression and the right to protest, as well as a book discussion of Richard Moon’s latest monograph, The Life and Death of Freedom of Expression (University of Toronto Press, 2024).