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Annual Report on Free Speech Policy: August 1, 2021 to July 31, 2022
Introduction
We are pleased to provide this report on the implementation of Laurier’s free speech policy framework. The contents of this report cover the period from August 1, 2021 to July 31, 2022.
Policy Updates and Reviews
Laurier has not made any amendments to its free speech policy framework during the reporting period.
The policy review referenced in a previous annual report, regarding Policy 4.10: Booking of University Space and Facilities, was commenced in 2019/20, but was deferred once the pandemic halted in-person events. The review continues in 2022/23.
Events
When a planned event is identified as having potential security concerns, it is referred to Safety, Health, Environment and Risk Management (SHERM) and Special Constable Services (SCS) to determine whether an Event Safety and Security Plan (ESSP) needs to be completed. The ESSP is completed in collaboration with the event organizer(s). When security is necessary to ensure that the event can proceed safely, the event organizer is notified of the incremental, direct costs of providing the security necessary for the event to proceed safely. If the organizer proceeds with the event, security is arranged by the university and the costs of security are invoiced to the event organizer.
To the best of our knowledge, there were no non-curricular events that did not proceed due to security concerns or their related costs during the reporting period.
Questions and Complaints
On the university’s public-facing policy website, the University Secretariat is the main point of contact for questions about policy interpretation. The Secretariat receives inquiries and directs any complaints as appropriate. The Office of Human Rights and Conflict Management receives inquiries and complaints on a wide variety of topics. This office is also responsible for liaising with the Ontario Ombudsman.
|
Item |
Number |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Estimated number of non-curricular events. |
700* |
Non-curricular events include, for example, invited speakers, sporting events, rallies, conferences, etc., as opposed to regular events held as part of an academic program or course. |
|
Number of official complaints received under the free speech policy relating to curricular and non-curricular events. |
0 |
N/A |
|
Number of official complaints reviewed that were dismissed. |
0 |
N/A |
|
Number of official complaints where the institution determined that the free speech policy was not followed appropriately. |
0 |
N/A |
|
Number of complaints or incidents where the institution determined that the free speech policy was not followed appropriately. |
0 |
N/A |
|
Number of free speech complaints forwarded to the Ontario Ombudsman. |
0 |
N/A |
* Due to the nature of events held remotely during the pandemic, the university notes this figure likely underestimates the number of events held in 2021/22.