January 2009
January 5, 2009
Dear Mr. Seligman,
Thank you for taking the time
to express your views on Queen’s intergroup dialogue program. I would like to
refer you to the statement below that was posted on Queen’s main webpage on
Tuesday, November 25, 2008. The statement has the support of Queen’s student
and administrative leaders, and summarizes the current status of the program and
its path forward.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
At the beginning of this
academic year, Queen’s University began a pilot Intergroup Dialogue program as
part of its ongoing efforts to foster constructive dialogue between students on
difficult issues such as race, religion, sexual orientation and ethnicity.
Over the past week, the pilot
program has received extensive media coverage and has generated a great deal of
feedback from students, alumni, media and the general public.
We regret that the program has
been inaccurately characterized as intrusive and in conflict with the right of
freedom of expression. It was not intended to be so, nor in the three months of
its operation has any student complained that the program has interfered with
individual rights or freedom of speech.
However, in the constructive
and self-critical spirit of the program, and in light of the importance of the
concerns that have been raised, the University has decided to conduct an early
assessment of the program.
A review panel, consisting of
the Rector, a senior academic and a member of Queen’s alumni, will be
established immediately and will report to me in early January 2009 on the
program as it relates to our existing and planned measures to enhance diversity
and inclusiveness on campus.
Patrick Deane, Vice-Principal
(Academic).
Help us maintain freedom in teaching, research and scholarship by joining SAFS or making a donation.
