The Canadian Federation of Students says it “stands firmly behind” the rights of all students, faculty and staff at Memorial University to engage in protest.
The CFS-NL was responding to word that Matthew Barter, a student who has waged a campaign to have MUN President Vianne Timmons removed from her position, has been banned from campus except to attend class or exams.
He’s been asked not to attend any events where Vianne Timmons is present.
Barter recently held a protest at a Memorial event, placing a sign on the podium, and quietly standing alongside while Timmons spoke.
The Federation of Students issued a release yesterday, emphasizing the “vital importance” of a student’s right to engage in peaceful assemblies, protests and demonstrations.
Katherine McLaughlin, Newfoundland and Labrador Chairperson at CFS-NL, says that it is the right of people across the province to protest, and when that is silenced it sets a “dangerous precedent.”
She says this isn’t the first example of such a situation this year, citing a rally held in June after which signs that were made and put up around campus were taken down “within hours.”
She says it’s hard to balance the university saying they prioritize freedom of expression while they are taking such actions.