“We’re launching a social justice campaign at York to get people’s attention on campus,” said Noël Badiou, director of York’s Centre for Human Rights. “We need to talk about how to ensure that when we engage in freedom of expression we’re not shutting other people down.”

A series of posters will be unveiled, reminding students that, for example, “Nothing kills ideas like an explosive argument” and “Words have a way of hitting innocent bystanders.” York students will speak about what the poster campaign means to them.

“We want to get students talking about how language can be hurtful,” said Badiou. “Our goal is to raise awareness about inclusion – about respectful dialogue and tools that all of us can use to create a more respectful environment.”

Vice-President Academic and Provost Patrick Monahan, who chaired a Presidential Task force on Student Life, Learning & Community, will speak about the recommendations reached by the 13-member task force of students, faculty and administrators as well as the President’s response, which adopted almost all of the recommendations.

One of the recommendations in the task force report noted that the free and open exchange of ideas is the lifeblood of the University. This requires protection for the expression of controversial, critical or unpopular ideas. Therefore it is inappropriate and unacceptable in a university to attempt to disrupt, shut down or prevent the free exchange of ideas deemed unpopular or unacceptable by some members of the community, the task force concluded.

“Inclusion Day is very much about finding ways to protect and promote this free and open exchange of ideas,” said Badiou.

Discussions, presentations and debates will be held during the day, and an online tutorial promoting Respect and Inclusivity Awareness will be introduced by Norma Sue Fisher-Stitt, associate vice-president of academic learning initiatives.

The online tutorial is being introduced as a pilot project at York and was designed by a working group including student, faculty and staff representatives. It reviews York’s history and core values and provides information about six key areas associated with human rights: gender identity and age discrimination; disability; race, ethnicity and hate speech; religious freedom; sexual orientation; and sexual harassment. The tutorial acquaints students with aspects of the Ontario Human Rights Code related to each of the topics, refers to the responsibilities and rights shared by members of the York community, and informs students about York policies and resources they can turn to for additional information or support.

Alan Borovoy, formerly general counsel for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (1968 to 2009) will deliver a keynote address to conclude Inclusion Day, at 6pm, entitled "Whatever happened to free speech?”

WHAT: Inclusion Day at York U
WHEN: Monday, Oct. 5, 2009, 9 a.m. to 7 pm. Launch of social justice campaign at 1:30 p.m. Keynote speaker at 6 p.m.
WHERE: York University, Keele campus. Founders College Assembly Hall, 152 Founders College.
PROGRAM:  See http://www.yorku.ca/respect/event.html

Media contact:

Janice Walls, Media Relations, York University, 416 736 2100 x22101 / wallsj@yorku.ca