The provincial government recently told Ontario universities and colleges they could face funding cuts if they do not implement free speech policies. The Conservatives had promised such a move during the election campaign. The policy was prompted by a number of incidents in which speakers were prevented from speaking or had their events cancelled after complaints and protests by students. The speakers were usually expressing an opinion or viewpoint that some students found offensive. Premier Doug Ford said, ““Colleges and universities should be places where students exchange different ideas and opinions in open and respectful debate.”
However the move has met with protests on a number of campuses, including at York University, where demonstrators claim free speech equals hate speech. Maria Pardo was at a recent protest.
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