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UQAM echoes Concordia by muzzling free speechPosted On 11/18/04
UQAM echoes Concordia by muzzling free speech
Montreal, November 18, 2004 – B’nai Brith Canada officials condemned the decision by the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) to cancel a speech yesterday by U.S. Ambassador Paul Cellucci, in the face of threats by anti-war activists.
“The precedent was set by Concordia,” said Steve Slimovitch, Legal Counsel for B’nai Brith Canada. “Free speech is now being muzzled at UQAM, which has bowed to the demands of a vocal minority and has invoked ‘security concerns’ to justify its position.
“Free speech has once again become the victim of mob rule and intimidation on the campuses of our universities.”
Allan Adel, National Chair of the League for Human Rights of B’nai Brith Canada stated, “The human rights of individuals are at stake in this issue. UQAM must redress this deplorable situation and not allow a gang of thugs, whatever their personal convictions, to trump the right of free speech for everyone.”
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For more information, please contact:
Karen Lazar, Communications Manager: 416-633-6224 X 140 / cell: 647-999-9835
B’nai Brith has been active in Canada since 1875 as the Jewish community’s foremost human rights organization.
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