Freedom of expression requires an open, transparent institution

Re: Laurier getting freedom of expression plan — Feb. 16

I recently received an email from Wilfrid Laurier University asking for input from alumni as it creates its statement for the freedom of expression. I jumped at the opportunity to give my opinion and feedback to the school. The fundamental consideration for drafting this statement on freedom of expression must be the precept that the university is an open and transparent institution of higher learning where all ideas are encouraged as well as challenged. On campus you will find all races, colours, genders, sexual orientations, religious affiliations, political leanings and socio-economic backgrounds. Instead of dividing students along these lines and forcing them to adopt identity politics, the university should understand that all students are equal in their opinions, right to free speech, and freedom to learn new ideas. George Orwell said, “If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.” Students may come across ideas that challenge the very foundation of their core beliefs and they will not always agree with such ideas. At the end of it all the school must understand that different individuals and groups might have to agree to disagree, as is their right as Canadians and as students of Wilfrid Laurier University.

Eric Lannan

Kitchener