Concordia is committed to openness and the right to exchange ideas freely: President Lowy
Concordia University is built on longstanding values cherished by our community, which include a commitment to openness and freedom of expression.
These values were not respected on April 24, when a small group of protesters prevented Dr. Alan Shepard, candidate for president and vice-chancellor, from addressing the Concordia community during a joint open meeting of the Board of Governors and Senate.
The protesters’ actions also prevented Concordians from participating in a question-and-answer session with Dr. Shepard, and I am disappointed that the free speech rights of our students, faculty, staff and alumni were violated in this fashion. Many students, faculty and staff have also expressed their deep dismay that the open meeting could not continue as planned.
I am pleased that Dr. Shepard has indicated that he is determined to proceed with his candidacy. Unfortunately, it is not possible for Dr. Shepard to return to Montreal this week. At his request, however, Concordia will host a conference call on Friday, April 27, at 12 p.m., when Dr. Shepard will deliver his presentation, and respond to questions from members of the Board of Governors and Senate.
In addition, time will be allotted in the latter part of the conference call for Dr. Shepard to respond to questions from the Concordia community at large. Senate Speaker Donald Boisvert will select and read some of the questions submitted for this portion of the conference call.
Concordians may email questions to Danielle Tessier, secretary to the Advisory Search Committee for a President and Vice-Chancellor, at danielle.tessier@concordia.ca by Friday, April 27, at 9 a.m. I encourage all Concordians to listen to the conference call at concordia.ca.
Members of the university community also have the opportunity to submit their written comments regarding Dr. Shepard’s candidacy by May 1, at 12 p.m. Submissions should be signed and emailed to Danielle Tessier at danielle.tessier@concordia.ca.
After this phase has been completed, and the advisory search committee’s formal recommendation of Dr. Shepard has been finalized, it will be brought to the Board of Governors for consideration.
This is an exciting time for Concordia, where we have always prided ourselves on respect for the open exchange of ideas and opinions.
Sincerely,
Frederick Lowy
President and Vice-Chancellor