College adopts free-speech principles

A northern Alberta college has become the first post-secondary institution to officially adopt controversial freedom of speech rules ahead of an approaching deadline set out by the provincial government.

Keyano College — which has campuses in Fort Mcmurray and Fort Chipewyan as well as learning centres in Fort Mckay and Gregoire Lake — approved the Chicago principles on July 11.

The deadline for all post-secondary institutions to pick up the rules is Dec. 15.

Advanced Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides had previously spelled out September as the working deadline, but the date was pushed forward to give institutions more time.

In May, the UCP announced its intention to follow in Ontario’s footsteps by introducing the principles, developed by the University of Chicago in 2014.

They allow speakers on campuses to share their views, no matter how “unwelcome, disagreeable, or even deeply offensive” they may be.

They have been criticized by academics as benefiting more extreme and conservative speakers.

Keyano College Board of Governors first vice-chairman Brent Davis issued a statement in the provincial news release.

“Citizens have the right to pronounce their opinions, morals, ethics and world views within the limits of Canadian law, and institutions should not attempt to shield students from these ideas,” he said.

“At the same time, people have the right to criticize and question other views expressed on campus, within the same limits.”