Annual Report on Free Speech Policy: August 1, 2024 to July 31, 2025

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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, 2024 to July 31, 2025.

Policy Updates and Reviews

During the reporting period, Laurier made changes to three policies: Policy 4.6, Temporary Signs and Notices; Policy 6.1, Prevention of Harassment, Discrimination, and Sexual Misconduct; and Policy 12.2, Student Code of Conduct: Academic.

• Policy 4.6 was revised to extend the scope of the policy to digital signage, to more clearly define the types of signs and notices, and to require a Laurier sponsor for external notices.
• Policy 6.1 was changed to comply with Bill 166, Strengthening Accountability and Student Supports Act, 2024.
• Policy 12.2 was amended for clarity and ease of administration; none of the changes impacted the areas of the policy that relate to free speech.

As noted in the 2023/24 report, the Provost and Vice-President Academic has established a Task Force on Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom. The Task Force is reviewing the free speech policy framework and will be making recommendations during the 2025/26 academic year.

The free speech policy framework is found on Laurier’s website.

Events

Events are 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.

Complaints Received in 2024/25

Two complaints were received during reporting period amd were resolved informally. One complaint was related to course content and one complaint was related to instructor conduct in a classroom environment.

Complaint 1: A student alleged that a French text used in class was discriminatory; Dean reviewed the text and agreed and requested instructors use a different text moving forward.

Complaint 2: A student alleged that during class, an instructor frequently shared her political opinions, and included readings that supported her beliefs, that were not relevant to the course and based students’ participation grades on how they interacted with the political discussions; this student was referred to the Dean who met with the instructor to discuss the student’s concerns and to consider if/what changes need to be made to the course content and what the instructor shares in class.

The two complaints were resolved informally, facilitated by the Office of Human Rights and Conflict Management.

Wilfrid Laurier University considers these complaints and their handling as examples of sound application of the free speech policy framework to protect and promote free speech across our campuses.

Summary of Events and Complaints

¹ 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.