If Canadians accept the flimsy, speculative pretexts offered by university authorities to crush peaceful protest, we risk the further erosion of our political rights and freedoms. If these rights may be trampled underfoot on university campuses without legal challenge, where are they protected? Constitutional lawyers, don your armour.

More information has been revealed about why the University of Alberta decided to replace “equity, diversity, and inclusion” initiatives with a “new framework” called “access, community, and belonging” (ACB). It is clearer than ever that the impetus for this move was political and ultimately aimed at placating the province’s far-right politicians.

Much has been written about the importance of communicating and implementing the public service functions of higher education if these institutions are to earn public support. To date, the chief executives of universities have failed to make this their central task. As a result, universities have been isolated by ruling parties that are hostile to higher education.

The next time the National Post comes calling with its accusatory “questions,” university spokespersons should take the opportunity to explain what academic freedom means, and why they will vigorously defend it. In the meantime, university leaders might do some thinking about how their own priorities and actions either reproduce or resist racial capitalism, colonialism, and imperialism.

Why is it so difficult for university administrators to express sympathy with all students, staff, and faculty who have been impacted by the events of October 7? To acknowledge that there are diverse Jewish views about Israel, Palestine, and what is unfolding now? Laurie Adkin writes on the tactics being used to silence critics of Israel and curtail free speech on campus and beyond.