[Marxism] OFFICIAL position of the U of T adminstration???? on the Palestinian Solidarity Conference...

["David Quarter" <davidquarter@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

[my apologies in advance if this becomes a repost]



Macdonald Stainsby <mstainsby@xxxxxxxxx wrote:

November, 28th, 2003.

Pro-Palestinian activists won an important victory this week as
the University of Toronto administration accepted the demands of
the Palestinian Solidarity Conference organizers and provided a
space for the conference to be held on U of T property, with the
basis of unity for the conference upheld as the fundamental
principles upon which the conference has been organized. >>>>>>



Contrast the above with the statement released on the U of T website
written by the same administrator responsible for annoying the initital
cancellation of the conference:

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http://www.news.utoronto.ca/bin5/031128a.asp


Student-sponsored conference set for Sunday

Group commits to principles of academic freedom


by Susan Bloch-Nevitte
Nov. 28, 2003 -- The University of Toronto has agreed to allow a student-
sponsored conference on Palestinian solidarity to go ahead this weekend in
university space. Al-Awda, the student group, has agreed to remove the
requirement that participants agree to a six-point Basis of Unity pact.

"The requirement would have had the effect of excluding persons with
dissenting views and was thus in violation of the University's Policy on
Recognition of Campus Groups," says David Farrar, vice-provost (students).
"We're pleased that the students were prepared to work toward a resolution
on this issue and have taken a responsible approach to the conference that
is in accordance with the campus group policy as well as the university's
fundamental principles of free speech."

The university's Statement on Freedom of Speech confirms that "the
essential value of the University must remain that of preservation of freedom
of enquiry and association." It also states that "the existence of an
institution where unorthodox ideas, alternative modes of thinking and living,
and radical prescriptions for social ills can be debated contributes
immensely to social and political change and the advancement of human
rights both inside and outside the University."
In addition to dropping the unity pact requirement, the student group and
the university have agreed to a registration form that states discussion at
the conference will be in accordance with the university's free speech
statement and that participants must abide by the university's. Policy on the
Disruption of Meetings.
"Every member of the University is obligated to uphold freedom of speech
and the freedom of individuals and groups from physical intimidation and
harassment," the policy states. "The administration of the University has a
particular responsibility to require from members and visitors a standard of
conduct which does not conflict with these basic rights. That standard must
allow the maximum opportunity for dissent and debate."
The university and the student group have agreed to a multi-faceted safety
plan for the conference, to be held Sunday at the Bahen Centre for
Information Technology. As part of the plan, volunteer student marshalls will
be assisting the organizers at the event. "It is in everyone's interest that
disruption be avoided," says Farrar. "The university and Al-Awda came to
this agreement with the expectation that all members of the university
community, when pursuing freedom of expression, would do so in a manner
that respects the rights of others."


"mailto:s.bloch.nevitte@xxxxxxxxxxx";
Susan Bloch-Nevitte is the university's director of public affairs.
CONTACT:
U of T Public Affairs, ph: (416) 978-8638; email:mailto:news.events@xxxxxxxxxxx";
news.events@xxxxxxxxxxx