The Canadian Civil Liberties Association has sent a letter to York University expressing concern about the freedom of speech implications of York’s policy that student groups hosting speakers or events that require additional security must bear the costs of hiring the Toronto Police Services. A recent event planned by the York University student group Christians United for Israel was reportedly cancelled after the student group was unable or unwilling to pay the extra security costs. Too often, the effect of such a policy will be to prevent the attendance of controversial speakers who express a minority opinion. In the case of the CUFI event, which organizers have said was intended to be a counterpoint to the opinions expressed during Israeli Apartheid Week, the implications are particularly troubling. Israeli Apartheid Week is highly controversial both on campus and in the wider community, making it all the more important that dissenting voices be afforded the opportunity to speak. CCLA has more than once defended the rights of anti-apartheid groups to hold events and not be censored in their expression; it is unfortunate that in this instance the other side of the debate will not be heard.
To read CCLA’s letter to York University click here.
