Media Release
Mohawk College Adopts New Policy Statement on Free Speech
(HAMILTON, Dec. 17, 2018) – Mohawk College will be posting a new policy on free speech that has been endorsed by all of Ontario’s 24 colleges.
The policy was developed by a task force of senior college leaders in collaboration with the College Student Alliance, legal experts and others. It was approved at a recent meeting of Ontario’s college presidents and is to be posted at every college by Jan. 1.
The policy statement is primarily based on the University of Chicago’s statement of Principles of Free Expression and has five core elements:
- A definition of freedom of speech.
- A commitment to allow open discussion and free inquiry.
- A statement that it is not the colleges’ role to shield members of the college community from ideas they disagree with.
- A statement that while members of the college community are free to contest the views of others, they must also respect the rights of others to express their views.
- An affirmation that speech that violates the law is not allowed.
The policy describes the procedures for handling complaints and ensuring there is compliance. The policy also states that it is aligned with other college policies and they shall all be considered together. Once it takes effect on Jan. 1, it will apply to the entire college community.
“Freedom of expression is fundamental to the success of higher education. This policy supports this belief and demonstrates our commitment to encouraging the sharing of knowledge and respect for everyone’s right to express their opinions.”
Mohawk College educates and serves more than 32,500 full-time, part-time, apprenticeship and international students at four main campuses in Hamilton, Ontario and learning hubs across Hamilton through City School by Mohawk, as well as at the Mohawk College Mississauga Campus in partnership with triOS College. Mohawk is committed to upholding an equitable, diverse and inclusive learning, working and engaging environment for students, employees and the community. The college is among the top colleges for applied research in Canada. It has been named one of Hamilton-Niagara’s top employers and one of Canada’s greenest employers, and holds a GOLD STARS rating from AASHE for sustainability achievements. More than 165,000 people have graduated from Mohawk since it was founded.