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Free Speech Policy

Purpose

The Government of Ontario has mandated that every publicly assisted postsecondary institution must have a standalone free speech policy. The Government also required that the policy be based on the University of Chicago Statement on Principles of Free Expression. In Canada, the Charter of Rights and Freedom lists freedom of expression as a fundamental freedom and guarantees it “subject only to such reasonable limits prescribed by law as can be demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society.”

The following policy statement was prepared by a committee comprised of representatives from the 24 publicly assisted colleges in Ontario.

Scope

This policy applies to all Seneca faculty, students, staff, management, guests and others who are present at Seneca.

Key definitions

Freedom of expression

The right to speak, write, listen, challenge and learn. 

Hate speech 

Any speech that incites hatred against a group or a class of persons especially on the basis of race, religion or sexual orientation. 

Policy

1. Policy statement on upholding free speech

  1. “The objects of the colleges are to offer a comprehensive program of career-oriented, postsecondary education and training to assist individuals in finding and keeping employment, to meet the needs of employers and the changing work environment and to support the economic and social development of their local and diverse communities” (Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology Act, 2002).
  2. Freedom of expression, which means the right to speak, write, listen, challenge and learn, must be protected as it is essential to discovery, critical assessment and the effective dissemination of knowledge and ideas to social and economic advancement.
  3. Seneca must be a place that allows for open discussion and free inquiry where diverse voices can be heard and ideas and viewpoints can be explored and discussed freely and debated openly without fear of reprisal, even if these are considered to be controversial or conflict with the views of some members of the Seneca community. Although Seneca greatly values civility and all members of Seneca share responsibility for maintaining a climate of mutual respect, it is not the role of Seneca to shield members of the Seneca community from ideas and opinions that they may find disagreeable or offensive. It is up to the individuals and not Seneca to make such judgements for themselves and to debate and challenge ideas they find unacceptable.
  4. Members of the Seneca community are free to criticize and contest the views of others, however, they may not obstruct or interfere with the freedom of others to express their views. The rights of others to express or hear ideas must also be respected. Seneca may reasonably regulate the time, place and manner of freedom of expression to ensure that it does not disrupt normal Seneca operations and ordinary activities or endanger the safety of others.
  5. Speech that violates the law, including the Ontario Human Rights Code, is not allowed. Speech that constitutes harassment, a threat or hate speech is not allowed. Other context-specific boundaries to freedom of expression may also apply such as those arising out of the terms of employment and collective agreements.
  6. This policy statement is aligned with other Seneca policies, all of which shall be read in harmony.
  7. Existing Seneca mechanisms and processes will be used to handle complaints and ensure compliance with this policy. Complaints that remain unresolved may be referred to the Ontario Ombudsman. Existing disciplinary measures will apply to those whose actions are contrary to this policy.
  8. Seneca will consider official student groups’ compliance with the policy as a condition for ongoing financial support or recognition, and encourage student groups to adopt policies that align with this policy.

Supporting documentation

  • None

Related Seneca policies

Related materials

Approval Date: January 2019

Last Revision:  January 2019