Concordia Faculty Association raises issues about academic freedom with the University

The Concordia Faculty Association is investigating whether recent actions from the university violate academic freedom. 

On September 5, a memo was sent from the Universities Vice-President, Academic Anne Whitelaw, the memo prohibited faculty departments from posting political statements on the Concordia website. Part of the memo said that “recent geopolitical conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, have led to an escalation of tensions […] leading some faculty, and staff to feel unwelcome.”

After the memo, the university took down existing statements from departments it deemed political. Statements condemning Israel’s actions against Palestine were removed, so were older statements on topics like feminism and colonialism.

The Faculty Association now has lawyers currently investigating whether this new policy violates the collection agreement between they have with the University.

Academic Vice-President Whitelaw and the Concordia media relations team have not responded to requests for comment from CJLO