Summary for General Meeting held November 1st, 2018
Freedom of Expression Policy
(Discussion based on October 23 Policy Draft from Provost’s Ad Hoc Committee on Freedom of Expression website.)
Presentation:
- President Rose reported on the current draft of the Freedom of Expression Policy
- This is still a draft (needs to be passed through Senate and approved by the Board of Governors)
- Draft and updates are available at provost.uwo.ca/freedomofexpression/
- Questions about the draft policy can be addressed to speaker@sogs.ca or president@sogs.ca
Discussion/Questions:
- When or how does the university intervene if someone is interfering or preventing another from their freedom of expression?
- Response: The University only needs to intervene if protest, etc. is preventing someone’s freedom of expression. It is important to note that this is not intended to stop anyone from protesting.
- Why are the University of Western Ontario Faculty Association and the Clinical Teachers Association named in the last paragraph and not other groups with collective agreements?
- Response: These collective agreements are provided as examples because they discuss academic freedom in detail.
Motion for Ad Hoc Freedom of Expression Presentation committee:
- A motion was brought forth from the floor to form an ad hoc committee that would organize presentations on the subject of freedom of expression, related political trends and academic concepts, and the responsibilities and standards that students, academics and citizens should hold themselves to.
- Some of those in attendance voiced their support of this idea, but the meeting did not have quorum and we were unable to vote on the motion.
- The Speaker recommended to bring this motion to November council.
Questions and discussion of what would happen in the event of a UWOFA strike:
- If no agreement is reached, you will receive an email notifying you of a labour disruption (do not assume there is a strike if it hasn’t been communicated).
- In the event of a labour disruption:
- GTAs and any other contract workers who are not members of UWOFA would be expected to continue with any duties outlined in their Duties Specification Agreement, but should not take over responsibility for the professor’s duties.
- There would be no disruption to GTA salaries or to non-TA employment that is covered by a valid, signed contract.
- Those in courses would continue with readings and expect to hand in assignments. Do not assume that there will be a change in the course calendar unless you receive notification otherwise.
- Those scheduled to defend their dissertation or thesis would be re-enrolled for the next term with TDO status (so would not need to pay any additional tuition).