Increasingly, the term “freedom of speech” is used as a tool to exclude, target, and vilify those holding different opinions. In this context, how do we navigate conversations when we are accused of limiting someone’s freedom of expression? How can faculty encourage critical thinking while ensuring that its expression is within the boundaries of the Ontario Human Rights Code, Canadian hate speech laws, Student Codes of Conduct, and other professional regulations?

This session, developed by the Centre for Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion (REI), will offer faculty support in: understanding freedom of speech in a Canadian context; navigating current controversies and resolutions in the classroom; and promoting respectful dialogue.

Participants may expect to:

• Understand freedom of speech in a Canadian context
• Consider current controversies and resolutions
• Understand the differences between private speech and public speech
• Increase their ability to navigate difficult conversations in the classroom

About the Series
The FES Equity Committee along with the Centre for Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion (REI) invite you to participate in the Respect, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (REDI) workshops at FES. These are professional development “brown bag lunch” workshops which will be offered right here in the HNES building. If you attend ANY THREE workshops you will receive a certificate of completion!