Board of Governors approves UM Statement on Freedom of Expression

The Board of Governors approved UM’s Freedom of Expression statement at its Oct. 26 meeting, marking the culmination of a multi-stage process involving research, consultation, and review through the university's governance bodies.

The process began in July 2024 by seeking input from unions, faculty, staff and students. The statement was then developed by a working group representing diverse expertise from across the university. The group undertook extensive research into the legal landscape of freedom of expression in Canada, reviewed policies and statements from post-secondary institutions across Canada and the United States, and considered feedback from the UM community to help inform the document.

Following discussion and feedback from Senate and the University Community, Senate recommended the statement to the Board of Governors for approval.

“Universities have a responsibility to create space for the lawful expression of differing views, not because we necessarily agree with them, but because open inquiry and debate are central to our academic mission,” said Michael Benarroch, President and Vice-Chancellor. “Though this statement cannot satisfy everyone on such a diverse campus, it does support greater clarity on how we approach issues related to free expression. I want to thank the working group for its efforts, and all faculty, students and staff whose robust ideas informed this statement.”

The statement can be found on UM’s Governance page and an excerpt can be read below. 

Statement on Freedom of Expression for University of Manitoba Community Members

The University of Manitoba dedicates itself to advancing knowledge and understanding for the benefit of local, national, and global communities. We do so through teaching and learning, research and creative activity, and by building strong connections with broader society. Achieving this mission depends on an environment that is inclusive, equitable, and rooted in human rights.

The University is committed to the freedom of expression. We recognize that learning is enriched by the opportunity to encounter a wide range of ideas, including those that may be uncomfortable or controversial, and to engage in open discussion. Research and scholarly work similarly depend on the ability to question established assumptions, explore new perspectives, and communicate results openly. We commit to fostering rigorous inquiry, intellectual integrity, and the exchange of ideas across its campuses. Developing the skills to engage in thoughtful and responsible debate is an essential part of education at this institution.

The University affirms the right of all members of its community (employees, students and those with a current connection to the University) to express their views in many forms, including through peaceful protest and dissent. Our campuses are places where open discussion of all matters can occur, and individuals are entitled to speak, write, view, challenge, and learn with the broadest possible latitude. Community members are equally entitled to question and debate the views of others, but this does not extend to blocking, disrupting, or otherwise interfering with others’ ability to express themselves.

Expression can foster knowledge, human flourishing and collective achievement; it is also important to recognize that language has power. Sometimes, language can be harmful and may have consequences. The University values respect in the exchange of ideas and opinion. However, the absence of respect does not in itself justify limits on expression.

At the University of Manitoba, expression on campus exists in legal and regulatory contexts, including Canadian laws on human rights, hate speech, harassment, defamation, libel, threats, confidentiality and privacy as well as University policies, procedures, or collective agreements.

The University may regulate the time, place, and manner of expression where there is a necessity to prevent disruption of its regular operations, and when the regulation is proportionate and content neutral in application.

In an institution dedicated to learning and discovery, individuals may encounter ideas, images, or arguments that they find disturbing, offensive, or contrary to their own values. Members of the community should also expect their own ideas to be questioned and challenged. The University is committed to ensuring supports are available to those who require them in navigating these experiences.

The right to academic freedom is distinct from, but related to, freedom of expression, and is defined in University policy and the collective agreements with the University’s academic staff.

Processes for raising concerns or complaints about the exercise of freedom of expression are available through the University’s existing policies and agreements.