Academic Freedom

Academic freedom is the right of post-secondary academic staff, without restriction by prescribed doctrine, to use their best professional judgment in their teaching and research; to be able to disseminate the results of their research and scholarship; to acquire, preserve, and provide access to documentary material in all formats; to express their opinions about the institution in which they work; and to exercise their rights as citizens without institutional sanction or censorship.

Featured Blog Events
Blog August 12, 2022

Judges Judging Judges

Justice David Spiro assisted the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), along with B’nai Brith, in blocking an appointment to the Directorship of the Law School’s International Human Rights Program (IHRP) at the University of Toronto. CIJA did not approve of 
Leslie Green
Academic Freedom
News March 29, 2022

“Understanding Academic Freedom in Canada” – CFE’s Newest Publication

Few concepts are as misunderstood as academic freedom. Today, the Centre for Free Expression is publishing James L. Turk’s paper, “Understanding Academic Freedom in Canada” to provide a detailed understanding of academic freedom.  The paper addresses many aspects – academic freedom’s origin, history in Canada, components, and limits. It then looks at issues of academic freedom and social media, respectful workplace policies, and collegial governance.
Academic Freedom
Blog October 1, 2021

The Censure of the University of Toronto as a Struggle Over Higher Education

A year ago, a major hiring scandal erupted at the Faculty of Law at the University of Toronto. The scandal broke after the former Law Dean decided not to proceed with the hiring of Dr. Valentina Azarova to direct its International Human Rights Program after a donor and sitting judge objected to her work on Israeli occupation of Palestinian Territories.
Deborah Cowen
Alissa Trotz
Denise Reaume
Melanie J. Newton
Academic Freedom