Jackboots at University of CalgaryNovember 26, 2008 When the federal Human Rights Commission tried to censor Mark Steyn and Maclean's magazine, using the Section 13 "hate speech" provisions of the Canadian Human Rights Act, media across Canada howled with outrage- and the CHRC backed down. Then members at the Conservative Party convention gave double majority to a proposal to end the use of Section 13. Many saw those events as victories for free speech in Canada--but don't start celebrating just yet! This precious principle is threatened in the very place where it ought to be most revered: our university campuses. As the late Professor Allan Bloom wrote in his epochal 1987 study The Closing of the American Mind, "political correctness" has become the dominant philosophy of post-secondary education, trumping free debate and open enquiry. However, some courageous students at the University of Calgary are putting themselves and their academic careers on the line to defend free speech for all Canadians. Campus Pro Life (CPL) has been using graphic images from the Genocide Awareness Project (GAP) to provoke fellow students to reflect on the humanity of children killed by abortion. There is a history to this movement:
But the University has called in its lawyers to silence CPL. They warn CPL that their signs are to be allowed on campus only if they are turned inward, so they cannot be seen. And the lawyers claim Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms doesn't apply on a university campus! Really?!? The University of Calgary's 2008-09 calendar states: "The University of Calgary community has undertaken to be guided by the following statements of purpose and values: To promote free inquiry and debate- [and] [t]o respect, appreciate, and encourage diversity." But on a modern Canadian university campus, apparently, "diversity" is limited to ideas the administration's censors deem acceptable. Jim Hnatiuk, Leader of the Christian Heritage Party, notes that CPL members seek only their legal right to peacefully express their opinions free from censorship that has no basis in law, and no basis in the University's own rules, regulations, policies or by-laws. The university's lawyers say the administration is concerned that the graphic signs might "trigger violence"; however, in the five years the signs have been displayed on campus, the only violence was from those who tried to prevent the signs from being seen. The administration's new policy means violent thugs can now silence others' opinions merely by threatening violence--and the University will support them! Jackbooted thugs triumph over reason--on a university campus! And the U of C is not the only university where this stifling of free speech is taking place. It's happening all across Canada. This is not a "university only" or "Alberta only" issue. This is part of a much bigger trend in Canada toward muzzling the free speech of Canadians whose viewpoints are deemed politically incorrect. What is happening on the U of C Campus affects us all. These brave CPL students at the U of C could face suspension--even expulsion--for taking a stand on behalf of the rights of all Canadians. They could be prevented from completing their degrees. Their display and their courageous stand begin today. They urgently need our support and encouragement - today! Please take a few moments to join them in their stand by phoning or emailing the Office of the President of the U of C. To make a donation (there will be legal expenses, now that the University has called in its taxpayer-funded lawyers), send your cheque to: Campus Pro-Life To send a message of encouragement, write: prolife@ucalgary.ca To express your opinion, phone or write: Dr. Harvey Weingarten, President, _______________________________________________ |