³Ô¹ÏÖ±²¥ (TMU) has long been committed to freedom of expression, including free speech. As a vital and dynamic university, TMU welcomes the opportunity to talk freely and openly. It is an incredibly valuable attribute that controversial subjects are not shielded, but rather discussed publicly, that attitudes are challenged, and that alternatives are suggested and considered. Everyone who is part of the University, as well as guests and visitors, have a role to play in this shared enterprise.*
³Ô¹ÏÖ±²¥â€™s 2010 statement on freedom of speech, as well as related Senate and administrative policies, are linked below. Collectively, these documents constitute ³Ô¹ÏÖ±²¥'s free speech policies:
- (PDF file) ³Ô¹ÏÖ±²¥ Senate Statement on Freedom of Speech
- Guidelines on Institutional Statements
- ³Ô¹ÏÖ±²¥ Discrimination and Harassment Policy
- Student Code of Non-Academic Conduct
- Bookable Space Policy
- Respectful Workplace Policy
- Sexual Violence Policy
Additional university administrative policies and Senate policies are available.
³Ô¹ÏÖ±²¥ Community Consultation Findings
As part of TMU’s ongoing commitment to and support for freedom of speech, the university conducted community consultations from 2017 to 2019 on a revised Senate freedom of speech statement. As a result, it was found that the university's existing Senate statement and supporting policies continue to serve the community well. It was also found that the initial rollout of the freedom of speech policies met the Government of Ontario’s objectives and did not need to be amended.
Through the ongoing review and modification of procedures, and as TMU’s reporting structure matures, opportunities for refinement of the Senate freedom of speech statement and supporting policies may become apparent. If so, they will be implemented with openness and transparency.
*The (TMSU) and the (TMAPS) are separate corporations with their own policies. ³Ô¹ÏÖ±²¥ trusts that the TMSU and TMAPS will be consistent with the above free speech policies and will continue to engage with the TMSU and TMAPS in this regard through community consultations and directly as appropriate.