A statement from Elizabeth Cannon, President of the University of Calgary, regarding remarks made by Tom Flanagan

February 28, 2013

Comments made by Tom Flanagan in Lethbridge yesterday absolutely do not represent the views of the University of Calgary. In the university’s view, child pornography is not a victimless crime. All aspects of this horrific crime involve the exploitation of children. Viewing pictures serves to create more demand for these terrible images, which leads to further exploitation of defenseless children.

Tom Flanagan has been on a research and scholarship leave from the University of Calgary since January of 2013. Tom Flanagan will remain on leave and will retire from the university on June 30, 2013. Flanagan had submitted his letter of retirement on Jan. 3, 2013.