May 29, 2024
On Tuesday, May 28, the University administration was informed of the results of a vote on recommendations brought forward by a committee within the department of politics. The vote was held despite advice from the administration not to do so, due to the risk of interfering with the right of academic colleagues to express their views and conduct free inquiry, the obligation of faculty members to deal fairly and ethically with their colleagues as well as concerns expressed by some colleagues at the University both inside and outside the department.
As York administration affirmed in April, any political opinion or statement taken by an academic group within a department has no bearing on the policy of the University and would have no legal force. Further, taking political positions that purport to represent a whole department, may discourage diversity, debate and dissent or infringe on the academic freedom of members who do not agree with or wish to be represented by such positions. The assertion of a collective position by a department, especially in light of a contested vote, would raise the question of the repression of some members’ academic freedom.
In this particular case, the University administration has expressed its concern on multiple occasions that the vote risks infringing on some faculty members’ individual academic freedom. Given that 30% of the eligible members did not participate in these votes, and those who did participate expressed a diversity of opinions, it seems this concern was well founded. Further follow up steps are underway to ensure the rights and well being of all department members are respected.
York University stands firmly behind our commitment to support and uphold academic freedom, and freedom of expression within the limits of the law, including the principles established in the President’s Initiative on Open and Respectful Dialogue. It is important to note that these protections apply to individuals – not groups, departments, or committees.
We believe that all community members – students, faculty, instructors and staff – deserve a work and learning environment free from fear of intimidation or harassment. The University will continue supporting initiatives that seek to promote dialogue across differences within the University and externally, including with our many international academic partners.