MARLENE WEBBER (Memorial University)
Professor Webber was an assistant professor in the School of Social Work on a two-year probationary contract. At the end of November, 1977, she was informed by the Director of the School her contract would not be renewed. Later, Professor Webber received a formal statement indicating the decision was based on her political affiliation with the Marxist-Leninist Party of Canada: “Your political activities have indicated considerable divergence from the philosophy and purposes of the School and your involvement both on and off campus with a political movement which is totally inimical to and destructive of the system upon which our government is based, necessitates my decision not to recommend an extension.” A CAUT investigation concluded that the basis for not renewing Professor Webber’s contract was “wholly unacceptable by any standard of academic freedom”.

SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY
A CAUT committee was established in 1970 to investigate the suspension of eight members of the Political Science, Sociology, and Anthropology Department at Simon Fraser University. The Committee determined the University failed to follow proper dismissal and appeal procedures that are necessary to safeguard academic freedom.

NORMAN STRAX (University of New Brunswick)
On 24 September 1968, Professor Norman Strax was suspended and banned from campus. No formal reasons were given for this action at the time, but later it was indicated the suspension was related to his participation in a non-violent campus protest. CAUT requested the University agree to arbitration to afford Professor Strax due process. When the University refused, CAUT Council imposed censure against the administration.

HARRY CROWE (United College)
In 1958, Professor Harry Crowe was a tenured associate professor of History and an active member of the faculty association at United College (now the University of Winnipeg). In March of that year, while on sabbatical at Queen’s University, Professor Crowe sent a private letter to a colleague at United College, Professor William Packer. The letter was mysteriously intercepted and forwarded to the College Principal, Rev. Dr. Wilfred C. Lockhart with the following anonymous note: “Found in College Hall. We think you should read it. Some staff loyalty??? [sic]” Although the thrust of Professor Crowe’s letter was a discussion of the upcoming Canadian federal election, it opened with two short paragraphs critical of current and former College administrators, including Principal Lockhart, suggesting they were hypocritical and not to be trusted, and adding that “religion is a corrosive force” at the College. In response, Principal Lockhart wrote to Professor Crowe: “Your letter [to Professor Packer] is a profoundly disturbing document. After reading it I have had to regretfully come to the conclusion that personally you have no sympathy with the avowed purposes of the College, and that you have no respect for or loyalty to the administration.” Professor Crowe was soon after dismissed by the Board of Regents.