Freedoms Advocate is providing legal support to a student who remains unnamed at this time to protect him from jeopardy. The student chose to speak up on his university campus when a matter engaging racial issues arose, and conflict ensued.
The student spoke out to encourage compassionate and reasonable discussion, where both sides could engage in debate and dialogue in a kind, non-threatening, and civil manner.
However, instead of civil debate occurring, complainants alleged the student had committed academic misconduct, simply because he encouraged discussion.
The university found the student guilty of non-academic misconduct, and as a penalty, has required him to provide a public apology for the comments he made which he continues to maintain were not in violation of the university’s code of conduct and are protected by the Charter. The student has appealed these decisions to the university’s appellant tribunal.
