About SAFS

Formed in 1992, SAFS is:

Primarily concerned with institutions of higher learning in Canada.
A non-profit organization financed by membership fees and voluntary contributions.
Not aligned with any political party — our membership spans the political spectrum.
A society with members all across Canada and in other countries.
Open to all persons sharing our goals, whether or not they are working in a university.

Our First Goal

Maintaining Freedom in Teaching, Research and Scholarship

In pursuit of their scholarly goals, members of the university may take positions that are not in accord with popular beliefs. We oppose measures such as speech codes, extra-legal tribunals and so-called anti-hate legislation that may infringe on the right and responsibility of the academic community (faculty and students) to teach and do research on controversial subjects.

Our Second Goal

Maintaining Standards of Excellence in Academic Decisions about Students and Faculty

Many universities have policies that are discriminatory to the extent that they favour groups of students or faculty on the basis of race, sex, etc. Such preferential treatment is unfair, is damaging to academic excellence, and stigmatizes the very groups so favoured. We espouse equality of opportunity but oppose preferential treatment.

What We Do

Promoting reasoned debate on issues of academic freedom and scholarship.

Speaking out publicly in favour of SAFS’ aims, and against oppressive measures in the academic community.

Distributing information to the media.

Encouraging the formation of local chapters to achieve SAFS’ aims locally.

Supporting candidates who share SAFS’ goals for positions on university governing bodies.

Writing to university administrations where we feel that academic freedom or the merit principle have been compromised.

Writing to government agencies or, where appropriate, to politicians, in cases where we feel our principles are in jeopardy.

Supporting individuals with advice, moral support, or material aid in those cases where there has been a clear abuse of academic freedom and/or the merit principle.