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Press Release

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Joint Position on Academic Freedom

The following joint statement is from Dr. Denis Prud’homme, President and Vice-Chancellor of the Université de Moncton, and Mr. Mathieu Lang, President of the Association of librarians and professors of the Université de Moncton (Association des bibliothécaires, professeures et professeurs de l’Université de Moncton — ABPPUM). It is part of the public debate arising from a recent controversy at the University of Ottawa over academic freedom.

We recognize that the voices of marginalized groups are too often ignored and that these voices must be included in all spaces for discussion and reflection. The university environment provides a space for these voices to be heard as it operates on the principle of collegiality. In this context, academic freedom is a fundamental right that the Université de Moncton and its associations agreed upon shortly after the institution was founded. They recognize this right and the responsibilities that flow from it and undertake not to exert any institutional pressure or censorship that would undermine the exercise of this right on academic staff.

Academic freedom is fundamental to the advancement of knowledge and enables staff to articulate and defend ideas and concepts for the benefit of the entire community. This freedom is shaped by the critical eye that must accompany it.

The recent advent of social media provides more opportunities to express opinions on various topics in different public forums. This recent phenomenon is changing the university context and giving greater scope to the opinions expressed in teaching, research, development and creative activities.

The time has come for the academic community and the Université de Moncton to reconcile the principle of academic freedom with sensitivities towards marginalized groups and social change.

We believe that a free, open, respectful and pluralistic discussion should be initiated in the near future on the meaning of fundamental principles such as academic freedom and collegiality, while respecting the dignity of individuals.




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