Freedom of Expression statement pillars

The University of Manitoba is working to formalize a freedom of expression statement and we are asking for your participation. Following consultation with our Board of Governors and Senate, we have developed the pillars listed below to guide the development of a formal statement.

How to use this form

If you have comments on a specific pillar, please provide them in the appropriate section below. If you have general comments, like what you like or dislike about the pillars, or what you think we could be doing better, please provide them in the space below.

Definition of Freedom of Expression

Freedom of expression at UM includes the right to express ideas, information, and opinions freely through any medium, respecting the diversity of methods in which these ideas can be conveyed and debated.

What are your thoughts on UM's definition of Freedom of Expression? 

Commitment to Freedom of Expression and Speech

UM is committed to free and open inquiry in all matters and supports freedom of expression as a key element of our university environment. Learning requires exposure to a variety of different perspectives, and these perspectives will often and quite naturally conflict.

What are your thoughts on UM's Commitment to Freedom of Expression and Speech?

Academic Freedom

The right to academic freedom is addressed specifically in the context of the collective agreement with the University of Manitoba Faculty Association (UMFA) and the UM’s policy on Academic Freedom and Responsibilities.

What are your thoughts on UM's pillar on Academic Freedom?

Navigating Challenging Conversations

It is not the role of a university to shield individuals from ideas and opinions they find unwelcome, disagreeable, or even deeply offensive. It is for individuals to make judgements on these views for themselves. While all members of the UM community share in the responsibility for maintaining a climate of mutual respect, concerns about respectful discourse can never be used as a justification for closing off discussion of ideas, however offensive those ideas may be to members of our community.

What are your thoughts on UM's pillar on Navigating Challenging Conversations?

Boundaries and limitations

Freedom of expression and speech do not mean that individuals may say whatever they wish, wherever they wish. UM may restrict expression that violates Canadian or Manitoba law, causes the university to violate law, violates applicable university policies, procedures or collective agreements, falsely defames a specific individual, constitutes a genuine threat or harassment, or that unjustifiably violates substantial privacy or confidentiality interests. In addition, UM may reasonably regulate the time, place and manner of expression to ensure that it does not disrupt the regular activities of the university. However these are narrow exceptions to the general commitment to freedom of expression, and it is critical that these exceptions are not used in a matter that is inconsistent with UM’s commitment to free and open discussion of ideas.

What are your thoughts on UM's pillar on Boundaries and Limitations?

Support Services and Inclusivity

In a diverse and inclusive university environment, community members can expect, on occasion, to be confronted by ideas or images that they find offensive, unwise, or immoral. UM remains committed to providing support services to those who need them.

What are your thoughts on UM's pillar on Support Services and Inclusivity?

Education

UM commits to educating its members about their rights and responsibilities related to freedom of expression. Through workshops, seminars, and resources, UM aims to foster a community that understands and values the balance between free expression and mutual respect.

What are your thoughts on UM's pillar on Education?

Protection Against Retaliation

UM is committed to assuring all community members who choose to exercise their right to freedom of expression will be protected from retaliation, discrimination, or undue sanction. This protection is crucial for maintaining an environment where ideas can be exchanged freely and safely.

What are your thoughts on UM's pillar on Protection Against Retaliation?

Institutional Neutrality

University leadership has been reflecting on our past approach to making institutional statements in response to local or global issue. Such statements can require the university to take a side in what is often a contentious debate, which is outside of our core mandate. This can imply a false sense of consensus among our large and diverse community and can have the unintended effect of chilling the expression of contrary views or signaling that opposing views are unwelcome. UM is committed to maintaining institutional neutrality as part of its commitment to freedom of expression.

What are your thoughts on UM's pillar on Institutional Neutrality?

Your information

Please enter your name and email address if you would like to be notified when the pillars are finalized.

FIPPA Notification Statement

Notice Regarding Collection, Use, and Disclosure of Personal Information by the University

Your personal information is being collected under the authority of The University of Manitoba Act. The information you provide will be used by the University for the purpose of creating Freedom of Expression statement pillars and contacting you when the pillars are finalized. Your personal information will not be used or disclosed for other purposes, unless permitted by The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). If you have any questions about the collection of your personal information, contact the Access & Privacy Office (tel. 204-474-9462), 233 Elizabeth Dafoe Library, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2.