(Ottawa – March 20, 2018) The Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) is launching an inquiry into the case of Professor Rick Mehta at Acadia University.

The university is currently investigating Professor Mehta for his classroom and social media conduct, including allegations that he has used his lectures to discuss his political views and has expressed opinions on-line that are claimed to be offensive and derogatory.  

“Professor Mehta’s case raises important questions about the scope of academic freedom in teaching and the exercise of extramural speech by professors,” says CAUT Executive Director David Robinson. “These issues are of broad significance to all academics in Canada.” 

CAUT has appointed an Ad Hoc Investigatory Committee to review how the University is handling  complaints against Professor Mehta, determine whether  his academic freedom has been breached or threatened, and make any appropriate recommendations.

Members of the Committee are Penni Stewart, Associate Professor at York University, and Francesca Holyoke, Head of Archives and Special Collections at the University of New Brunswick.

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Media contact:

Lisa Keller, Communications Officer, Canadian Association of University Teachers
(o) 613-726-5186 (c) 613-222-3530