April 18, 2024
Earlier this week, University administration learned of concerns surrounding a committee report in one of our academic departments. The views expressed in the report are those of the authors and do not represent the views of the University. Any political opinion or statement taken by an academic group within a Department/Faculty has no bearing on the policy of the University and would have no legal force. The University continues to value our relationship with our international academic partners in the Middle East including those in Israel.
To be clear, 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.
These protections affirm the right of individual community members to express political views including pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel views. As our Statement of Policy on Free Speech outlines:
“Preservation of free and open exchange of ideas and opinion for and by all members of the community through respectful debate, including robust rights to protest and express dissent, are central to the mission of York University. Attempts to prevent such free inquiry, whether from other members of the University community or from external groups, are inconsistent with this mission.” Hate and racism of any kind are not tolerated, and this includes both anti-Palestinian racism and antisemitism. York will take necessary action to ensure that all community members feel safe and welcomed without fear of intimidation or harassment. The University will also continue supporting initiatives that seek to promote dialogue across differences in an environment of mutual respect, intellectual curiosity, and empathy.