Bill 32 aimed at better protecting academic freedom became the subject of some criticism on Tuesday, the first day of special consultations.
The Quebec Student Union (UEQ)-which represents approximately 91,000 university students-got the ball rolling by speaking out against the enactment of a law.
L ‘UEQ Considering that the government should not enact legislation on academic freedom in universitiesdecided its interim president, Jonathan Desroches.
He believes the government should encourage universities to develop statements of principle so that they can maintain their autonomy.
If the government still decides to pursue Bill 32, it will have to repeal article 6 as a priority, the president added.UEQ.
This section empowers the Minister to direct an educational institution to include in its policy any element it indicates or even of make the necessary corrections.
Section 6 is also displeasing to the National Federation of Quebec Teachers (FNEEQ), which nonetheless supports the government’s legislature.
Give such powers to the Minister contrary to the very principles of academic freedomsupports FNEEQ in his memoir.
Section 6 opens a distressing door to state interference in university policiesadded the union, saying it wanted legislative intervention minimal and limited.
The minister opened of the amendments
In her opening remarks, Minister of Higher Education Danielle McCann promised listening of different groups.
” I am in the mode of openness and collaboration. If the bill needs to be improved, we will certainly do so. “
But on the principle of protecting academic freedom and ending self-censorship, we stand by: no compromise.he added.
Liberal Hélène David pointed out that there is unity against many parts of this billwhile Alexandre Leduc, of Québec solidaire, proved that the piece of legislation was badly rigged, badly aggregated.
Bill 32 – presented by Ms. McCann on April 6 – following the presentation of the Cloutier commission report.
The latter was built by the government in August 2021, following several incidents that took place in the academy and were reported in the news.
A teacher at the University of Ottawa has been suspended over a complaint for using a word beginning with the letter “N”.
Source: Radio-Canada
