Re: Something's Seriously Wrong At York University, David Frum, Feb. 27.
The focus of David Frum's objections relate to a student-organized event at York University that was cancelled earlier last week. Mr. Frum claims that the university subjected the event to "radically different and much harsher procedures" than normal, resulting in the cancellation of the event. In fact, the procedures applied in this instance were precisely the same as those applied to any event involving high profile and controversial speakers.
All requests for Temporary Use of University Space by student groups are reviewed by security for safety assessment. In this case, it was determined -- in consultation with the host student group, Christians United for Israel (CUFI) -- that added security would be necessary. The group agreed with hiring two Toronto Police Service officers and two additional York Security. The cost of Toronto Police Services is one that is borne by any group that requires their attendance.
The student group initially agreed to cover the cost. Later as the event date neared, CUFI informed the University that its sponsors were not willing to cover the security costs. The university and CUFI then considered several changes to the proposed event. In the end, the decision not to proceed was CUFI's alone.
Based on his erroneous description of these events, Mr. Frum then leaps to the entirely unsupported conclusion that students at York are subject to "utterly arbitrary ad hoc decision-making" by the university administration.
Precisely the opposite was the case: The university applied a fair procedure designed to provide and maintain a safe environment balanced against what a university must provide in the terms of debate, free speech and hard-held views. If universities cannot offer this environment, who will?
It is the right of any York University community member to express his or her view within the law and without fear of intimidation or harassment. By the same token, members of the community must respect the rights of others to express views that differ from their own. Freedom of speech is for everyone, or it is for no one.
And political activism is no excuse for racism, intimidation or hatred of any kind.
Patrick J. Monahan, Provost and VP Academic, York University, Toronto.