As is the case at universities across Canada and around the world, significant global and domestic events inevitably make themselves felt in our daily lives at Queen’s. We advance our mission in the context of history and society at large, so this is entirely to be expected: human suffering or depredations of nature anywhere should command our compassion and attention as a diverse community of scholars seeking solutions.
Occasionally, and especially when members of this academic community are moved by powerful personal, moral or ethical conviction, or if they have family and friends directly impacted by such events, a different and more intense form of engagement is called for by those most affected, and the demand is made that the university publicly adopt a political stance and issue a statement on behalf of the academy.
The pressure to comment or adopt a position can be considerable, but the university is by definition and mission a diverse plurality: a large community which includes many different perspectives whose merits the institution considers and evaluates through dialogue and research. So, while individual members can and should express themselves on issues of concern to them, the institution cannot, except on matters directly relevant to its functioning as a university, speak on behalf of the whole community.
Besides the fact that on such events many differing yet valid perspectives may be found among members of the Queen’s community, a further consideration is that global events and conflicts typically have very long and complicated roots; and it is the task of the university as an institution to foster an understanding of such complexity, rather than reduce it by partisan adjudication.
Maintaining the campus as a space established on principles of free and open enquiry is consistent with the and the to which Queen’s is a signatory. Upholding the ability for scholars to question through open and respectful investigation and dialogue, and the rejection of all forms of intolerance, is fundamental to our academic mission and societal advancement. While specific approaches by other universities have varied, the common thread has been to limit the issuance of institutional statements to those occasions where an event is clearly related to a direct, concrete, and demonstrable interest or function of the university.
With these considerations in mind, Queen’s is adopting a standard practice of not issuing university statements that take an institutional position on global or domestic affairs. Faculties and departments are asked to mirror this approach.
This position on institutional statements notwithstanding, respectful and informed debate should be encouraged within our academic community. The right of faculty members’ Academic Freedom is enshrined in the Queen’s-QUFA Collective Agreement, and the university should be a place in which instructors and learners alike are welcome to challenge ideas and explore their own positions through sound and respectful argument.
In keeping with the Collective Agreement, members of the academy should not purport to speak on behalf of the University unless so authorized, and those making statements should be willing to assign their names or otherwise make clear they are not articulating the views of the university.
Together, our community can continue to foster a respectful and inclusive environment where ideas can be expressed and explored with openness, tolerance, and academic rigour. Your support in this matter is greatly appreciated.