In a damning report, a CAUT ad hoc investigatory committee concludes the Capilano University Administration deprived Professor George Rammell of his academic freedom by seizing and destroying a satirical work of art representing the president of that British Columbia institution.

“The investigation clearly shows that the Capilano University Administration violated academic freedom by applying an overly broad interpretation of respectful workplace and harassment policies to essentially gag George Rammell”, says David Robinson, CAUT Executive Director. “Let’s hope that this serves as a lesson to all those who would try to violate academic freedom for political reasons.”

The 14-page report of the ad hoc investigatory committee was written by Jason Brown (Thompson Rivers University) and Terri Van Steinburg (Kwantlen Polytechnic University). The two experts, tasked with investigating the seizure and dismantlement of the sculpture entitled “Blathering On in Krisendom”, found that George Rammell had been deprived of his freedom of expression and academic freedom to criticize administrative decisions made by the institution.

CAUT therefore recommends that:

• The present administration publicly apologize to professor Rammell; and
• The University commit to protect and actively promote academic freedom.

The Canadian Association of University Teachers is the national voice of 68,000 academic and general staff at 120 universities and colleges across the country.

*A copy of the report is available here.

For more information, please contact:

Valérie Dufour, Director of Communications, (613) 293-1810