Online, October 28, 2015 (Newswire.com) - Universities with the worst combination of policies and practices were ranked among the 10 worst universities in Canada when it comes to upholding free speech. Five universities ranked as the best. (CNW ... Facebook Twitter Pinterest Student Unions with the worst combination of policies and practices were ranked among the 10 worst student unions in Canada when it comes to upholding free speech. Five student unions ranked as the best. (CNW ... Facebook Twitter Pinterest Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (CNW Group/Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms) Facebook Twitter Pinterest
The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (JCCF.ca) today released the 2015 Campus Freedom Index, a report measuring the state of free speech at 55 Canadian public universities.
Using a five-tier letter scale—A, B, C, D and F—the Campus Freedom Index grades universities and student unions on their stated policies (what they say) and their practices (what they do).
The annual Campus Freedom Index uses specific, measurable and replicable criteria to assess the free speech climate on Canadian university campuses, giving university administrators and student union executives clear standards they can adopt to better protect free speech rights for students. Each university receives four letter grades, one for each of university policies, university practices, student union policies, and student union practices.
With 220 grades awarded to 55 campuses, Canada's universities and student unions in 2015 have received only eight 'A' grades—only three more 'A' grades than were awarded in 2014. Conversely 'F' grades were earned 41 times: 15 times by universities, and 26 times by student unions.
The master chart of 220 grades, and the best and worst rankings, are included with this release.
The full 2015 Campus Freedom Index can be viewed online at www.JCCF.ca/2015campusfreedomindex
Significant changes in 2014-15: The Good
Carleton University Students' Association - from B to A
Memorial University - from C to A
University of New Brunswick - from D to A
Significant changes in 2014-15: The Bad
University of Alberta - from D to F
Concordia University - from D to F
University of Lethbridge - from B to F
SOURCE Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms
Image with caption: "The Campus Freedom Index assigns grades of A, B, C, D or F to universities and student unions at 55 campuses, with one grade awarded for policies and another for practices. (CNW Group/Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms)". Image available at: photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20151028_C6968_PHOTO_EN_531054.jpg
Image with caption: "Universities with the worst combination of policies and practices were ranked among the 10 worst universities in Canada when it comes to upholding free speech. Five universities ranked as the best. (CNW Group/Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms)". Image available at: photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20151028_C6968_PHOTO_EN_531056.jpg
Image with caption: "Student Unions with the worst combination of policies and practices were ranked among the 10 worst student unions in Canada when it comes to upholding free speech. Five student unions ranked as the best. (CNW Group/Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms)". Image available at: photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20151028_C6968_PHOTO_EN_531058.jpg
Image with caption: "Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (CNW Group/Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms)". Image available at: photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20151028_C6968_PHOTO_EN_531060.jpg
For further information: Michael Kennedy and John Carpay are available in Montreal and Calgary respectively for media inquiries. For more information: Michael Kennedy, co-author: mkennedy@jccf.ca or 902-322-4828; John Carpay, co-author and JCCF president: jcarpay@jccf.ca or 403-619-8014
RELATED LINKSwww.JCCF.ca
Share: