Academic Freedom and the Inclusive University

Battles over human rights, curriculum issues and hiring and promotion practices reveal to what extent efforts to integrate ideas of academic freedom and the inclusive university have engendered strife and debate on Canadian campuses. For some, the concept of academic freedom has become its own myth – an icon to be revered, an article of faith, an essentialist doctrine with roots firmly planted in tradition. For others, the concept of an inclusive university – a university reflecting the burgeoning diversity of cultures and ideologies in Canadian society – demands realization through the transformation of university structures and practices. The four parts of Academic Freedom and the Inclusive University explore this conflict.

Sharon E. Kahn is Associate Vice-President, Equity, and Dennis Pavlich is University Counsel, both at the University of British Columbia.