Policy on Academic Freedom (PRVPA-5)

Policy on Academic Freedom (PRVPA-5)

Academic Freedom is the foundation on which universities are built. Research (including research-creation), teaching, and service to scholarly organizations – the principal activities and endeavours of Academic Members – can only be fully exercised if they are undertaken without the constraint of political interference, disciplinary orthodoxies, or donor influence. Similarly, Academic Freedom guarantees that Academic Members are free to critique one’s university, its administration, government entities and society, subject to legal and policy restrictions.

The University’s Policy on Academic Freedom, written in compliance with the Act respecting academic freedom in the university sector, CQLR, chapter L-1.2, seeks to provide a standalone Policy and Procedures regarding the Academic Freedom Committee to address complaints of violations of Academic Freedom. As such, the Policy and its related Procedures stand in relation to existing University policies, but do not replace or supersede the complaint, grievance or appeal procedures described in the existing collective or employment agreements and in any other University policies and procedures.

More information on the Academic Freedom Committee, how it meets and how it makes deliberations, can be found in the Procedures Regarding the Academic Freedom Committee. Additionally, details on how academic freedom is upheld and handled within the Code of Rights and Responsibilities and the Academic Code of Conduct can be found within each respective document.