POLICY ON THE RECOGNITION OF CAMPUS GROUPS

Voluntary organizations formed by members of the University community are a traditional part of campus life, and contribute in a significant way to its intellectual, political, social and cultural diversity and richness.

In its relations with these organizations, the University is committed to ensuring that all University members can communicate and explore all ideas freely, organize in groups for any lawful purpose, move about the University and use its facilities in any reasonable way, distribute on campus, in a responsible way, published material provided that it is not unlawful, hold meetings, debate and to engage in peaceful demonstrations, and be free from discrimination on the basis of sex, race or religion.

Recognition as a campus group is a privilege based upon observance of certain procedures and acceptance of certain responsibilities. It follows that this privilege can be withdrawn if these procedures are neglected or responsibilities abrogated by the organization or group.

Under the terms of this policy the University will not attempt to censor, control or interfere with any group on the basis of its philosophy, beliefs, interests or opinions expressed unless and until these lead to activities which are illegal or which infringe the rights and freedoms of others. By the same token, recognition as a campus group by the University implies neither endorsement of a particular group’s beliefs or philosophy, nor the assumption of legal liability for the group’s activities. It assumes only that the University has a responsibility to inform itself of organizations which use its facilities and name and to deny or withdraw recognition if the requirements of this policy are not observed.

FREEDOM OF SPEECH

In policies approved by the Governing Council, the University community has held that the essential purpose of the University is to engage in the pursuit of truth, the advancement of learning and the dissemination of knowledge.To achieve this purpose, all members of the University must have as a prerequisite freedom of speech and expression, which means 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.

Of necessity, there are limits to the right of free speech.When members of the University use speech to deliberately prevent the lawful exercise of speech by others or interfere with the conduct of authorized University business, the University may intervene. Similarly, although no member of the University should use language or indulge in behaviour intended to demean others on the basis of their race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, handicap, age, marital status, family status, the receipt of public assistance or record of offence, the values of mutual respect and civility may, on occasion, be superseded by the need to protect lawful freedom of speech.

 The right to free speech is complemented by the right of freedom of association, and extends to individuals participating in groups. All members have the freedom to communicate in any reasonable way, to hold and advertise meetings, to debate and to engage in peaceful assemblies and demonstrations, to organize groups for any lawful activities and to make reasonable use of University facilities, in accordance with its policies.

To view the Policy on the Recognition of Campus Groups in its entirety, please visit: http://www.governingcouncil.utoronto.ca/policies/camgroup.htm