The University of Lethbridge has issued a statement in response to a speaking engagement involving a controversial speaker, January 27, 2023. (Photo: University of Lethbridge)

By David Opinko

University of Lethbridge issues statement in response to controversial speaker

Jan 29, 2023 | 8:00 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – An upcoming speaking engagement at the University of Lethbridge (U of L) has prompted backlash from the public.

Frances Widdowson is set to speak at the university on February 1, 2023. She has come under fire for her opinions on matters such as residential schools and the Black Lives Matter movement.

Hundreds of people have digitally signed a petition on Change.org seeking to have the event cancelled. The petition states, “Her presence on campus not only denigrates the status of the University by giving space to a speaker who promotes historical falsities and racial bigotry, but endangers students’ well-being and safety.”

The petition has attracted the attention of U of L President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mike Mahon, who has issued the following statement in response to the speaking event and the calls to cancel it:

“The University of Lethbridge has become aware of a guest speaker, invited by one of our faculty members, whose views are in conflict with a number of the values held by the University — including the University’s stated commitment to the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. We strongly disagree with assertions that seek to minimize the significant and detrimental impact of Canada’s residential school system. I have heard from many students, faculty and staff who have expressed their disappointment that this event is taking place. It is encouraging that a concurrent evidence-based counter-lecture has also been organized, and that the vast majority of our community finds these views abhorrent.”

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The U of L Statement on Free Expression states that its “mandate affirms its commitment to protect free inquiry and scholarship, facilitate access to scholarly resources, and support artistic expression and free and open scholarly discussion of issues.”

Mahon says guest speakers are afforded the same commitment to freedom of expression as members of the campus community, even though the university does not endorse the opinions and views of any speaker.

However, he goes on to say that freedom of expression laws in Canada do not protect violence or threats of violence, and free speech can be limited in the context of hate and discriminatory speech.

“Our university is true to the tenets of equity, diversity and inclusion and is committed to meeting the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. These are the values we endorse and continuously work toward,” says Mahon.

Mahon says that debate or deliberation on campus “may not be suppressed because the ideas put forward are thought by some, or even more, to be offensive, unwise, immoral, or misguided.”

A protest organized by the U of L Student Action Assembly is scheduled to be held at the university’s Anderson Hall building beginning at 4:00 p.m. on February 1, 2023, prior to the start of Widdowson’s speech at 4:30 p.m.

At the same time that Widdowson will give her speech at the U of L, Dr. Sean Carleton with the University of Manitoba will deliver a virtual presentation, titled, “Truth before Reconciliation: How to Identify and Confront Residential School Denialism.”

The registration link for Carleton’s webinar is on the U of L website.

The full statement from Mahon is on the U of L website.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now