Last month, the committee considering issues of freedom of expression and protest on campus submitted its report to President Patrick Deane.

The McMaster community is encouraged to review the report in addition to a set of guidelines for event organizers, participants and protestors prepared by the University administration in response to the committee’s recommendation for a policy on protest.

The guidelines are intended to provide assistance to event organizers and participants, as well as those engaging in protest or dissent.

Frequently asked questions about the guidelines can be found below:

1) What is the purpose of the Guidelines?

The guidelines are intended to help make sure all voices have the opportunity to be heard. They lay out the responsibilities of event organizers and emphasize the importance of allowing opportunities for questions, and for dissenting or opposing views to be expressed.

2) Are the Guidelines intended to restrict or prevent protest or activism on campus?

No, they are not. Students and others are free to organize events, rallies or meetings to publicize or protest issues. The guidelines simply try to ensure that all events have the opportunity to proceed, and that those who wish to speak on a particular issue have the chance to be heard.

3) How will the University provide support for minority or marginalized groups?

The guidelines include a requirement to consider the potential impact on groups who may be affected by a particular event, and any response or supports that might be needed. The University’s Equity and Inclusion office works hard to support and assist marginalized groups and the new AVP (Equity and Inclusion) will assist in reviewing the effect of the guidelines and responding to concerns on an ongoing basis.

4) Why doesn’t the University just shut down unpopular or potentially controversial speakers or events?

As an institution of higher learning, the University is committed to freedom of expression and association for all its members, and to promoting and supporting the consideration, discussion and questioning of ideas, even if they are unpopular or controversial. Censorship is incompatible with the University’s mission of education, research and discovery. This does not mean that McMaster tolerates hate speech; the University has always been unequivocal in its condemnation of discrimination, harassment, violence and hate.

5) Do the Guidelines give more authority to Security Services?

No, they do not. They place the responsibility for managing and overseeing events with the event organizers and moderator. The role of Security Services is to provide assistance in support of the safe running of events.

6) Do the Guidelines introduce any new penalties or sanctions?

No, they do not. They are guidelines and create no new penalties. Where existing policies or codes of conduct are violated, such codes will be applied in the usual way.

7) How do I provide feedback on the Guidelines?

The University Secretariat is collecting feedback and comments on the guidelines, as well as the report from the Ad Hoc Committee on Protest and Freedom of Expression, at univsec@mcmaster.ca. Comments can be sent by email, or by letter, for those who do not wish to respond by email. The President’s Advisory Committee on Building an Inclusive Community (PACBIC) is also gathering feedback, which will be submitted to the University Secretariat in an anonymized format. PACBIC can be contacted at pacbic@mcmaster.ca.