Freedoms Advocate has been providing legal support to Tim Haggstrom, a former University of Saskatchewan student who faced allegations of non-academic misconduct following his publication of an open letter to his peers, which encouraged open discussions regarding race and racism. This incident occurred amidst a broader debate concerning the university’s policy on providing exam accommodations for students who self-identify as Indigenous.
Mr. Haggstrom is now a lawyer, but in his last year of law school, some fellow students complained that his open letter was harassment and the University decided to require Mr. Haggstrom to make a public apology and a statement of regret. Mr. Haggstrom did not agree and appealed the University’s decision within the university’s process, but was denied.
Mr. Haggstrom read his open letter to classmates (excluding the footnotes), on March 7, 2022. He later posted his speech to a facebook page.
A complaint was filed against him and alleged that Mr. Haggstrom’s speech was one of “numerous attempts to spread hate throughout the College” and that his views were allegedly “racist” and “unsettling.”
Mr. Haggstrom stated he had observed tension on campus relating to the topics of race and racism and that students from both sides of the conflict had reported not being heard and not feeling safe.
Mr. Haggstrom suggested that disagreements were likely not going to go away and acknowledged that race and racism were “sensitive topics,” suggesting the solution was open conversation about controversial topics. Mr. Haggstrom asserts that none of his comments were racist and that, in fact, his letter maintained a neutral position encouraging debate.
As the University has remained immovable in maintaining their position that Mr. Haggstrom is guilty of non-academic misconduct, Mr. Haggstrom is proceeding to the next stage of legal proceedings by requesting a judicial review and bringing a constitutional challenge.
His case alleges, among other things, that the University’s harassment policy is unconstitutional and that the decisions against him violated his Charter rights, including freedom of conscience and freedom of expression and belief. Mr. Haggstrom’s court application for a hearing was filed on April 25, 2025, and the matter has its first scheduling hearing set for May 27, 2025.
Mr. Haggstrom says he “shared a letter inviting sincere and open dialogue in an instance of disagreement.”
“I continue to believe that was the better path, and I am glad I spoke up about it. This legal case raises important questions about exposing oneself to diverse viewpoints, following one’s conscience, and expressing minority perspectives to others. It is about the university experience and what it means to live in a free and democratic society,” added Mr. Haggstrom.
Legal Documents
Originating Application and Affidavits
