April 2013
March, 20, 2013
Dear Mr. Seligman,
Thank you for your email regarding the actions of
protestors at a recent event held at the University of Waterloo.
As the president of a university thattreasures the
principles of free speech,Iam extremely disappointed that a guest invited to
speak at a University of Waterloo Federation of Students-sanctioned club event
onWednesday, March 13, was interrupted by vociferous protest by a group of
nearly two-dozen Waterloo and non-Waterloo students.
I consider the events of March 13 to be an attack on
our presence as a place where issues are explored, discussed and debated. The
freedom to speak and to learn is fundamental to the values of
thisinstitution.The silencing of anyone who proffers an opinion is
unacceptable.
I want to reassure you that I have spoken to Mr.
Woodworth to apologize for the way he was treated by
the protestors.
We are examining ways in which we can ensure all
invited speakers, whatever the topic, are able to speak in a safe and productive
environment. We are also exploring ways in which we can partner with student
groups to provide appropriate support for their events on campus. A review into
this incident is underway.
Feridun Hamdullahpur,
President & Vice-Chancellor
University of Waterloo
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