UWOFA Opposes New Prohibition of Camping on University Property Policy and Associated Demonstration Authorization Procedure

(London, Ont. ) — The University of Western Ontario Faculty Association (UWOFA) strongly opposes Western University’s recently implemented Policy 1.1.1 (Prohibition of Camping on University Property) and Procedure 1.1 (Obtaining Authorization to Hold a Demonstration). These measures, quietly put into effect on August 29, 2024, without appropriate notice or consultation with campus stakeholders, represent a significant threat to academic freedom and freedom of expression on campus. 

The new procedure is alarmingly broad, targeting not only large-scale protests but also individual actions such as leafleting. This overreach severely restricts the rights of faculty, staff, and students to engage in peaceful assembly and express dissenting views.

The Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) criticized the policy, noting that it “conflicts with the University’s mandate, and undermines free expression and academic freedom by creating unnecessary barriers for peaceful assembly and expression.”

“We’re very concerned about the scope of this procedure as it unduly restricts fundamental rights on campus and violates other important elements of our collective agreement pertaining to consultation,” said Johanna Weststar, President of UWOFA. “Given the scope, this does not seem to be about clarity and consistency to ensure safety—it is a violation of an academic institution’s core principles of fostering debate and dialogue over difficult issues. This procedure also goes further than anything seen in past practice. It’s nonsensical and arbitrary in many ways. If it really is about safety, why is it unsafe to have a demonstration in the morning?”

The policy contradicts Western’s own Freedom of Expression Policy (MAPP 1.54) and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. UWOFA is committed to defending these fundamental rights and will explore all available options to protect these rights and academic freedom. UWOFA has today filed a policy grievance under each of our collective agreements.

UWOFA urges Western University to retract these policies and procedures and engage in meaningful dialogue with the campus community to both maintain a safe environment and uphold the principles of academic freedom and free expression that are essential to the university’s mission.

Contact:
Bethany Taylor, UWOFA Communications and Engagement Officer
outreach@uwofa.ca
519-661-2111 x. 87965