2021 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE SOCIETY FOR ACADEMIC FREEDOM AND SCHOLARSHIP

• 11:20 – 11:30 Mark Mercer, President, Society for Academic Freedom and Scholarship: Welcome and news from SAFS
• 11:30 – 12:30 “The State of Ontario Universities in Light of Chicago Principles Legislation,” William McNally (Professor, Finance, Wilfrid Laurier University) & David M. Haskell (Associate Professor, Digital Media & Journalism and Religion & Culture, Wilfrid Laurier University)
• 12:30 – 1:30 “Ideacide: With Reference to the Gilley and Tuvel cases,” Rhoda E. Howard-Hassmann (Professor Emeritus, Political Science, Wilfrid Laurier University) & Neil McLaughlin (Professor, Sociology, McMaster University)
• 1:30 – 2:30 Lunch Break
• 2:30 – 4:00 Keynote Address

  Tomáš Hudlický (Professor, Chemistry, Brock University)

The organizers will send out a Zoom pass number a few days before the meeting. All you need to participate is a computer with a camera and a mic.

2020 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE SOCIETY FOR ACADEMIC FREEDOM AND SCHOLARSHIP

• 11:20 – 11:30 Mark Mercer, President, Society for Academic Freedom and Scholarship: Welcome and news from SAFS
• 11:30 – 12:30 Joanne Boucher (Political Science, University of Winnipeg), “Thomas Hobbes against Identity Politics”
• 12:30 – 1:30 “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (and Accessibility) as Oath and Mantra,” a conversation featuring Stephen Perrott (Psychology, Mount Saint Vincent University) and Frances Widdowson (Economics, Justice, and Policy Studies, Mount Royal University)
• 1:30 – 2:30 Lunch Break
• 2:30 – 4:00 Keynote Address

  Samir Gandesha (Department of Humanities, Simon Fraser University), “Is Academic Freedom Under Attack in the Canadian University?”

The organizers will send out a Zoom pass number a few days before the meeting. All you need to participate is a computer with a camera and a mic.

2019 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE SOCIETY FOR ACADEMIC FREEDOM AND SCHOLARSHIP

• 9:50 – 10:00 Mark Mercer, President, Society for Academic Freedom and Scholarship: Welcome and news from SAFS
• 10:00 – 11:00 Bruce Pardy, Law, Queen’s University, “Right Idea, Wrong Approach: The Ontario free speech directive and the effect of speech laws on universities”
• 11:00 – 12:00 Rick Mehta, formerly Psychology, Acadia University, “Social Justice and Moral Panic: Modern Threats to Academic Freedom”
• 12:00 – 1:00 Lunch – Buffet (Green Leaf Café, Room 3340)
• 1:00 – 2:30 Keynote Address: Rachel Fulton Brown, History, University of Chicago, “Is Academia Good for the Soul?”

2018 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE SOCIETY FOR ACADEMIC FREEDOM AND SCHOLARSHIP

• 9:00 - 10:00 Registration and informal conversation
• 10:00 - 10:45 “Honest rudeness or insincere civility?”, Mark Mercer, Professor of Philosophy, Saint Mary’s University, and President, Society for Academic Freedom and Scholarship
• 10:50- Noon A Discussion between Lindsay Shepherd, Cultural Analysis and Social Theory, Wilfrid Laurier University, and David Haskell, Digital Media and Journalism, Wilfrid Laurier University Brantford
• Lindsay and David will talk to us about Lindsay’s experience last fall as a discussion group leader and the Laurier task force on freedom of expression on campus
• Noon - 1:00 Buffet lunch (Green Leaf Café)
• 1:00 - 2:30 Keynote Address: “A Tsunami of Maladies Afflicting the Soul of Our Universities,” Gad Saad, John Molson School of Business, Concordia University, and host of The Saad Truth

2017 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE SOCIETY FOR ACADEMIC FREEDOM AND SCHOLARSHIP

• 9:00-10:00 Registration and Conversation
• 10:00-11:00 “When Science is Political,” Jan Narveson, Emeritus Professor of Philosophy, University of Waterloo
• 11:00-12:00 “Does Banning Hate Speech Eliminate Hatred: The Case of East Germany,” Christina Behme, Assistant Professor of Philosophy, Brandon University
• 12:00-1:00 Buffet Lunch (in Somerville House – The Garden, Room 3320)
• 1:00-2:15 Keynote Address: “Why freedom of speech is not just another value,” Jordan Peterson, Department of Psychology, University of Toronto
• Dr Peterson is a professor of psychology at the University of Toronto. His book Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief appeared in 1999.

2016 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE SOCIETY FOR ACADEMIC FREEDOM AND SCHOLARSHIP

• 9:00-10:00 Registration and Conversation
• 10:00-10:45 Mark Mercer, SAFS President, “Academic Freedom 2015—2016”
• 10:45-12:00 Jeff Muehlbauer, Verbulous Inc, and Ken Westhues, University of Waterloo: “A Conversation on Native Studies and Academic Mobbing”
• 12:00-1:00 Buffet Lunch (in Somerville House – The Garden, Room 3320)
• 1:00-2:15 Keynote Address: Donald Alexander Downs, “Challenges to Academic Freedom: Anything New Under the Sun?”
• Dr Downs is Alexander Meiklejohn Professor of Political Science, Law, and Journalism at the University of Wisconsin—Madison and the director and co-founder of the Wisconsin Center for the Study of Liberal Democracy (2007-present). He is the author of six books, including Restoring Free Speech and Liberty on Campus (Cambridge University Press/The Independent Institute, 2004) and More than Victims: Battered Women, the Syndrome Society, and the Law (University of Chicago Press, 1996).

9 May 2015: SAFS Annual General Meeting, Western University

1. “Reflections on SAFS’s Pursuit of Defending Academic Freedom and Scholarship,” Clive Seligman (Psychology, Western University, and President, SAFS)
2. Dalhousie’s Facebook-Group Dental Students, a panel discussion featuring Ken Westhues (Sociology, University of Waterloo) and Mark Mercer (Philosophy, Saint Mary’s University)
3. “From Micro-Aggression to BDS: Can Humanities Education Be Saved from Social Justice?”, Janice Fiamengo (English, University of Ottawa)

10 May 2014: SAFS Annual General Meeting, Western University

1. “On Investigating Allegations of Academic Freedom Violations,” Albert Katz (Psychology, Western University, and Canadian Association of University Teachers)
2. “Academic Accommodations? Who Decides,” J. Paul Grayson (Sociology, York University)
3. Keynote address: “Unlearning Liberty: Campus Censorship and the End of American Debate,” Greg Lukianoff (President, Foundation for Individual Rights in Education)

11 May 2013: SAFS Annual General Meeting, Western University

1. “Update of Canadian cases of free speech and academic freedom,” Mark Mercer (Philosophy, Saint Mary’s University)
2. “Diversity, merit, and academic freedom: Deciphering the Orwellian doublespeak,” Frances Widdowson (Economics, Justice, and Policy Studies, Mount Royal University)
3. Keynote address: “What does Bowdoin teach? An examination of the current content of a liberal arts college,” Peter Wood (President, National Association of Scholars)

12 May 2012: SAFS Annual General Meeting, University of Western Ontario

1. “President’s Introductory Remarks,” Clive Seligman (Western)
2. A Discussion of Academic Freedom, featuring Paul Gooch (President, Victoria College, University of Toronto) and Mark Mercer (Philosophy, Saint Mary’s University)
3. Keynote Address: “Is Academic Integrity adequately promoted by Academic Governance, Collective Bargaining, and Judicial Review?”, Gábor Lukács (formerly Mathematics, University of Manitoba)

7 May 2011: SAFS Annual General Meeting, University of Western Ontario

1. “President’s Introductory Remarks,” Clive Seligman (Psychology, University of Western Ontario)
2. Symposium on Research Integrity in Canada, featuring Paul Paré (Sociology, University of Western Ontario), Clive Seligman (Psychology, University of Western Ontario), Paul Maxim (Sociology, Wilfrid Laurier University), Graham Smith (Geography, University of Western Ontario)
3. Keynote Address: “Freedom of Speech on Canadian Campuses,” John Carpay (Founder and President of the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms)

16 May 2009: SAFS Annual General Meeting, University of Western Ontario

1. “President’s Introductory Remarks,” Clive Seligman (Psychology, University of Western Ontario)
2. “The Regulating University: Student Codes of Speech and Behavior, Research Ethics, and Women’s Issues,” Stephen Lecce (President, University of Western Ontario Student Council), Stephen Lupker (Psychology, University of Western Ontario), and Jane Toswell (President, Western’s Caucus on Women’s Issues, University of Western Ontario)
3. Keynote Address: “Manipulating Debate: Anti-Israel Rhetoric and Political Activism on Universities Worldwide,” Barbara Kay (Columnist, National Post)

10 May 2008: SAFS Annual General Meeting, University of Western Ontario

1. “President’s Introductory Remarks,” Clive Seligman (Psychology, University of Western Ontario)
2. “Collective Agreements: Protecting or Threatening Academic Freedom?”, a discussion featuring Albert Katz (Psychology, University of Western Ontario), Murray Miles (Philosophy, Brock University), and Phil Sullivan (Engineering, University of Toronto)
3. Keynote Address: “Ivory Tower Blues: A University System in Crisis,” Anton Allahar (Sociology, University of Western Ontario) and Jim Côté (Sociology, University of Western Ontario)

12 May 2007: SAFS Annual General Meeting, University of Western Ontario

1. “President’s Introductory Remarks,” Clive Seligman (Psychology University of Western Ontario)
2. “The Politicization of University,” a discussion featuring Grant Brown (Lawyer, Edmonton), John Mueller (Psychology, University of Calgary), and Clive Seligman (Psychology, University of Western Ontario)
3. Keynote address: “Academic Freedom,” James Turk (Executive Director, Canadian Association of University Teachers)

13 May 2006: SAFS Annual General Meeting, University of Western Ontario

1. “President’s Introductory Remarks,” Clive Seligman (Psychology, University of Western Ontario)
2. “It is essential to support free speech, BUT it must be exercised responsibly,” a panel discussion featuring Larry Cornies (Editor, London Free Press), Jan Narveson (Philosophy, University of Waterloo), and Charles Rackoff (Computer Science, University of Toronto)
3. Keynote address: “Has The Danish Cartoon Controversy Pushed The World To A Tipping Point In The Clash Or Crash Of Civilizations?”, Salim Mansur (Political Science, University of Western Ontario)

14 May 2005: SAFS Annual General Meeting, University of Western Ontario

1. “President’s Introductory Remarks,” Clive Seligman (Psychology, University of Western Ontario)
2. Tribute to John and Chris Furedy, with Doreen Kimura (Psychology, Simon Fraser University), Clive Seligman (Psychology, University of Western Ontario), Phil Sullivan (Engineering, University of Toronto), and John Furedy (Psychology, University of Toronto)
3. “Controversy at Harvard: Academic Freedom and Sex Differences,” a panel discussion with Peter Cain (Psychology, University of Western Ontario), Elizabeth Hampson (Psychology, University of Western Ontario), Klaus-Peter Ossenkopp (Psychology, University of Western Ontario), Clive Seligman (Psychology, University of Western Ontario)
4. Keynote Address: “Reopening the Intellectual Marketplace in Academe,” Stephen Balch (President, National Association of Scholars)

8 May 2004: SAFS Annual General Meeting, University of Western Ontario

1. “President’s Introductory Remarks,” Clive Seligman (Psychology, University of Western Ontario)
2. “Limits to Academic Freedom,” a panel discussion featuring Bill Fisher (Psychology, University of Western Ontario), Ken Hilborn (History, University of Western Ontario), and Phil Sullivan (Engineering, University of Toronto)
3. “Equality, Affirmative Action, and Faculty Hiring,” Jamie Cameron (Osgoode Hall, York University)

4 May 2003: SAFS Annual General Meeting, University of Western Ontario

1. “President’s Introductory Remarks,” Clive Seligman (Psychology, University of Western Ontario)
2. “Research Ethics Boards: Protecting the Public or Limiting Academic Freedom,” a discussion between Ben Forster (History, University of Western Ontario) and John Mueller (Psychology, University of Calgary)
3. “Strategies and Tactics in the ‘Diversity/Equity’ Debates,” a discussion among Phil Sullivan (Engineering, University of Toronto), Martin Wall (Psychology, University of Toronto), and John Furedy (Psychology, University of Toronto)
4. “Defending Academic Freedom in the Politicized University,” Frederick H. Lowy, (Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Concordia University)

4 May 2002: SAFS Annual General Meeting, University of Western Ontario

1. “President’s Introductory Remarks,” Clive Seligman (Psychology, University of Western Ontario)
2. Bela and Magda Furedy Academic Freedom Award Recipient 2002: Doreen Kimura (Psychology, Simon Fraser University, and founding president of SAFS), presented by John Furedy (Psychology, University of Toronto)
3. “Academic freedom in the light of September 11,” a panel discussion featuring Nancy Innis (Psychology, University of Western Ontario), Jan Narveson (Philosophy, University of Waterloo), and Ken Westhues (Sociology, University of Waterloo)
4. Keynote address: “Betrayal of Liberty and Dignity on America’s Campuses,” Alan Kors (History, University of Pennsylvania, and president of the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE))

19 May 2001: SAFS Annual General Meeting, University of Western Ontario

1. “President’s Introductory Remarks,” Clive Seligman (Psychology, University of Western Ontario)
2. Bela and Magda Furedy Academic Freedom Award Recipient 2001: Julie Bosman (journalism student at Wisconsin, editor in chief, Badger Herald), award presented by Christine Furedy (Urban Studies, York University)
3. “SAFS Role in Defending Academic Freedom,” a panel discussion featuring Chris Furedy (Urban Studies, York University), Murray Miles (Philosophy, Brock University), and Clive Seligman (University of Western Ontario)
4. Keynote Address: “Moral Panics and The Media,” Margaret Wente (Globe and Mail)

13 May 2000: SAFS Annual General Meeting, University of Western Ontario

1. “President’s Introductory Remarks,” Doreen Kimura (Psychology, Simon Fraser University)
2. Bela and Magda Furedy Academic Freedom Award Recipient 2000: Rory Leishman (London Free Press), award presented by John Furedy (Psychology, University of Toronto)
3. “Faculty job discrimination at Wilfrid Laurier University,” Clive Seligman (Psychology, University of Western Ontario) & “The excellence-versus-equity debate at UWO,” Steve Lupker (Psychology, University of Western Ontario)
4. “Anti-hate laws: the good news and the bad,” Karen Selick (Lawyer and writer)

8 May 1999: SAFS Annual General Meeting, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia

1. Roundtable discussion of employment equity, led by Barry Beyerstein (Psychology, Simon Fraser University) and featuring Charles Crawford (Psychology, Simon Fraser University) and Doreen Kimura (Psychology, Simon Fraser University)
2. “Say it ain’t so: Unpopular research and the six o’clock news,” Stanley Coren (Psychology, University of British Columbia)

9 May 1998: SAFS Annual General Meeting, University of Toronto

1. “SAFS: Past and Present,” John Furedy (Psychology, University of Toronto)
2. “Pacific Developments in Academic Freedom and Scholarship 1995-98,” Peter Suedfeld (Psychology, University of British Columbia)
3. “Exam Accommodations for Students with Learning Disabilities: Some Steps Toward Reestablishing the Role of the Instructor,” Steve Lupker (Psychology, University of Western Ontario)
4. “Problems of ‘Learning Disabilities’ for the Academy: Tactics,” a panel discussion featuring Marty Wall (Psychology, University of Toronto), John Yeomans (Psychology, University of Toronto), and John Furedy (Psychology, University of Toronto)
5. “The Future,” Ruth Gruhn (Anthropology, University of Alberta)

10 May 1997: SAFS Annual General Meeting, University of Toronto

1. Session on UBC Developments, featuring Jack Granatstein (History, York University) and a representative from UBC
2. Keynote Address: “The Open Society and Its New (Multiculturalist) Enemies,” Barry Smith (Philosophy, SUNY at Buffalo)
3. “SAFS’ Provincial, National and International Promotion and Defence of Academic Freedom and Scholarship – An Update,” John J. Furedy (Psychology, University of Toronto)

11 May 1996, SAFS Annual General Meeting, University of Toronto

1. SAFS and NAS: A Discussion of the Relationship, Commonalities, and Differences, with John Furedy (Society for Academic Freedom and Scholarship) and Steve Balch (Natinoal Association of Scholars)
2. “Heterophobia: The Feminist Turn against Men,” Daphne Patai (Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, University of Massachusetts Amherst)
3. “Ideological Trendiness,” Gordon Chong (Toronto City Council)
4. “Maintaining Standards in Research, Teaching, and the Evaluation of Faculty Performance,” a symposium featuring Edwina Taborsky (Anthropology, Bishop’s University), John Furedy (Psychology, University of Toronto), and Murray Miles (Philosophy, Brock University)

20 May 1995, SAFS Annual General Meeting, University of Toronto

1. “Students and the University: General Principles for Dealing with PC,” a panel discussion featuring Peter Hanus (University of Toronto), Joe Katzman (York University), and Krista Soots (OISE)
2. Keynote Address: “Moral Panic: Biopolitics and Academic Freedom,” John Fekete (Cultural Studies and English Literature, Trent University)
3. “Alumni-Initiated Defences of Academic Freedom,” Alan Gold (Lawyer, Toronto)
4. “Some Ideas about Making SAFS More Inclusive in the Sound Sense of that Term,” John Furedy (Psychology, University of Toronto)

17 May 1994, SAFS Annual General Meeting, University of Toronto

1. “Professors and the University,” a panel discussion featuring Chris Essex (Applied Mathematics, University of Western Ontario), John Furedy (Psychology, University of Toronto), and R. David Smith (University of Prince Edward Island)
2. Keynote address: “Academic Freefall: Whatever Happened to Free Speech?”, Jack Granatstein (History, York University)
3. “Departmental Chairs and the University,” a panel discussion featuring Tom Adamowski (English, University of Toronto), Clive Seligman (Psychology, University of Western Ontario), and Martin Wall (Psychology, University of Toronto)