Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Freedom of speech and expression is the right “to examine, question, investigate, speculate, and comment on any issue without reference to prescribed doctrine, as well as the right to criticize the University and society at large”. The University’s commitment to this value is enshrined in U of T’s Statement on Freedom of Speech, which emphasizes the University’s duty to protect lawful expression, even when it is contentious or offensive to some. As that policy states: “[T]he values of mutual respect and civility may, on occasion, be superseded by the need to protect lawful freedom of speech” (see Statement on Freedom of Speech).

In the University’s policies and statements, and throughout this website, “freedom of speech” and “freedom of expression” are used interchangeably.

The University of Toronto is committed to fostering an academic community where inquiry thrives, expression is protected, and diverse perspectives are explored — even when ideas provoke offense or strong disagreement.

This commitment is grounded in University of Toronto’s Statement of Institutional Purpose, which affirms that academic freedom, freedom of speech, and freedom of research are essential to the University’s mission. These rights include “the right to raise deeply disturbing questions and provocative challenges to the cherished beliefs of society at large and of the university itself.”

As our Statement on Free Speech states:

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.

At U of T, academic freedom is a right set out in Article 5 of the Memorandum of Agreement between the Governing Council of the University of Toronto and the University of Toronto Faculty Association (UTFA). Article 5 broadly defines academic freedom as “the freedom to examine, question, teach, and learn, and it involves the right to investigate, speculate, and comment without reference to prescribed doctrine, as well as the right to criticize the University of Toronto and society at large.”

Academic freedom is reserved to only certain members of the University of Toronto community. It provides faculty members and librarians with the freedom to carry out their activities, pursue research and scholarship and publish the results thereof, and provides freedom from institutional censorship. The Memorandum of Agreement is explicit that academic freedom “does not require neutrality on the part of the individual nor does it preclude commitment on the part of the individual. Rather academic freedom makes such commitment possible.” The U of T administration does not monitor or adjudicate the scholarly merit of speech—those judgments are left to disciplinary peers, not administrators.

Article 5 of the Memorandum of Agreement also imposes responsibilities on faculty members and librarians, including to deal fairly and ethically with students and colleagues.

Academic freedom is also provided for other groups at U of T, sometimes to varying and/or more limited degrees – for example, in the Policy for Clinical Faculty, in several collective agreements between the University and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), and in the Policies for Professional/Managerial Staff when it comes to a small number of administrative staff members engaged in certain pedagogical activities.

Academic freedom is a professional right granted in various agreements and policies. This right protects the ability of faculty members, librarians and select others (see above) to teach, research, and/or share ideas without interference. Free expression, by contrast, is more general. It can protect a wide range of speech from government intrusion — including social media opinions, political advocacy, and controversial views. As described below, free speech has legal limits, including restrictions on threats, hate speech, or defamation.

Yes. Various statutes of Canada and Ontario, as well as the common law, place limitations on some forms of speech. The University can take action if speech or expression violates its policies or the law. For example, the Criminal Code of Canada (e.g., the public incitement or wilful promotion of hatred) and the Ontario Human Rights Code (e.g., speech that discriminates against an individual and limits their participation in learning or work activities) set legal boundaries on speech.

Sometimes, expression that is protected under U of T policies and Canadian law may still cause harm, upset, or division. While such expression is rarely grounds for disciplinary action, the University may intervene in specific cases, including:

• If speech or action interferes with others’ lawful rights (e.g., shouting down a speaker so an event cannot proceed, or blocking access to facilities); or
• If it creates a demonstrable inability to perform job duties (e.g., threats that impact safety; for staff, speech that might deter students from seeking services).

Nevertheless, particularly in cases of dispute and controversy, as the Statement on Freedom of Speech says, “the University’s primary obligation [emphasis added] is to protect the free speech of all involved. The University must allow the fullest range of debate.”

In order for the University to take action, there must be a connection to the University as well as a potential violation of law and/or policy. For example, a social media post has a connection to the University if it directly targets a member of the University community, and depending on the content and context of the post, it could amount to a potential violation of law and/or policy (e.g., harassment or defamation).

Other actions – including on social media – may not be clearly connected to the University, or may not violate law and/or policy. This could be the case, for example, when a student or faculty member expresses their personal political opinions at a protest or online. In those circumstances, and if appropriate, education, coaching, peer-to-peer conversations, or collegial interventions may still occur.

All members of our community are bound by Canadian and provincial law. There is also a more general sense in which the right to free speech imposes accompanying responsibilities: freedom of speech can function effectively only when it comes with the responsibility to respect the rights of others to free speech as well. Shouting down or silencing others suppresses speech and opposes the principles of free expression.

In this context, civil discourse – engaging in difficult conversations with empathy, curiosity, and intellectual honesty – is an important practice. A recent University-wide working group defined civil discourse as discussion that seeks understanding across difference, respects the dignity of others, even in disagreement; and encourages active listening, risk-taking, and reflection.

While not a policy or a requirement, civil discourse is a shared value that helps University community members disagree well and think out loud together. It does not replace free speech or academic freedom — rather it offers one pathway for navigating conflict in a diverse and democratic environment.

In 2025, U of T endorsed all of the recommendations from the Working Group on Civil Discourse in an administrative response. Key actions underway include:

• Educational programming for students on dialogue and disagreement through Hart House, Student Life, and various offices at UTM and UTSC;
• Support for faculty members and instructors in teaching controversial topics; and,
• A new LEAF+ fund to seed civil discourse initiatives on all three campuses.

As the University’s statements have noted, the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion, along with respect and civility, operate in concert with free expression to foster excellence. An important foundation for the University of Toronto’s excellence is our community’s remarkable diversity – ethnic, racial, cultural, linguistic, religious, socio-economic, and intellectual.

While every member of our community benefits from our institutional commitment to free expression, there are times when not every member feels equally able to act on those rights. Our Statement on Free Speech warns: “members should not weigh lightly the shock, hurt, anger or even the silencing effect that may be caused by use of such speech.” We recognize that excellence is achieved together, and that speech or acts that diminish an individual or a particular group diminish us all, by subverting the contest of ideas at the heart of the University’s mission.

We understand that the presence of some speakers or events on campus may upset some members of our community.

The University has, for many years, received requests to ban discussions on various subjects. Our response has been consistent. The University will not cancel events unless there are unmanageable risks to the physical safety of the University community, or there are legal reasons to do so. Such decisions are taken very rarely and are never the result of the University taking a position on the content of the event.

Furthermore, the University’s Policy on the Temporary Use of Space notes:

The lands and buildings of the University of Toronto are private property. The University reserves the right to control access to its campuses, and to the use of its space and facilities. All users of University space are required to comply with all applicable University policies, federal and provincial statutes and municipal by-laws relating to private property, the rights of individuals and the University.

The University itself does not sponsor, organize, or endorse events arranged by internal or external groups. Many events on our campuses are hosted by internal or external groups having first arranged a space rental or booking with the relevant facility according to standard procedures.

The role of the University’s administration is not to adjudicate among different opinions or judgements. Rather, the administration’s role is to help realize the mission of the University and foster open inquiry in its many forms.

The University’s first priority in allocating space is for space bookings that contribute directly to our academic mission of teaching and scholarship. At the same time, the University of Toronto plays a role in the community by opening our spaces on occasion to external groups on appropriate terms in accordance with University policy and procedure, and Ontario’s free speech directive (see below). External groups are expected at least to cover the costs associated with the room booking, such that they are not being subsidized by student fees. The University itself does not sponsor, organize, or endorse events arranged by external or internal groups.

Peaceful protests are a form of free expression, provided they do not disrupt an event or threaten the security or safety of participants. The University is guided by a commitment to the right of University members to communicate and to discuss and explore all ideas, and to engage in peaceful demonstrations. More information about the University’s policies on protests is available here.

If a member of our community believes that another member’s speech compromises or threatens their personal safety or constitutes hate or discrimination, they may make a complaint. All such complaints would be closely examined, with respect to fairness and due process. Information about filing a complaint of discrimination or harassment at the University of Toronto is available here. In urgent or acute cases, members of our community should contact Campus Safety on their home campus.

In 2018, the Government of Ontario issued guidance on free speech at colleges and universities. The University of Toronto’s policy framework covering freedom of speech, freedom of research, academic freedom and related matters is fully consistent with the Government’s guidance.

The University files an annual report with the provincial government regarding campus free speech, which includes descriptions of activities undertaken to promote these principles over the preceding year. For example, in 2024-25, the Provost’s Office and President’s Office held over a dozen refresher trainings with event hosts and academic administrators to discuss the University’s principles and best practices on promoting free expression.

The University’s policies and statements that have been passed by the Governing Council can all be found on the Governing Council’s website. For related information, see:

• Statement of Institutional Purpose
• Statement on Freedom of Speech
• Memorandum of Agreement between U of T and UTFA
• Civil Discourse Working Group Report and Administrative Response (2025)
• Free Speech website
• Social Media Guidance for Faculty Members and Librarians
• Complaints & Concerns about Discrimination & Harassment