The Canadian Association of University Teachers is raising concerns about academic freedom at the Maritime College of Forest Technology in New Brunswick following the recent dismissal of two teachers.

Wildlife biologist Rod Cumberland was fired from his teaching post on June 20. On July 3, Gerald Redmond, the former director of the school, who was still teaching there, publicly stated that the College’s dismissal of Mr. Cumberland was likely in retaliation for his outspoken criticism of the herbicide glyphosate.

Mr. Redmond also said he “felt pressure from the board of governors in several instances, to try to sanction Rod for his outspokenness on the glyphosate herbicide.” The next day, the College informed Mr. Redmond that his services were no longer needed.

CAUT believes that the academic freedom of both teachers may have been violated, and these incidents have been referred to the CAUT Academic Freedom and Tenure Committee.