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Joining over 950 universities worldwide, CUE is now a signatory to the Magna Charta Universitatum. Prior to the pandemic, our participation in this international effort was approved by both GFC and our Board of Governors. 

In signing the Magna Charta, CUE has strengthened its commitment to academic freedom, joining some of the most prestigious universities in the world in embracing these values. In a practical sense, it opens the door for us to participate in the activities of the Magna Charta Observatory, an organization run out of the University of Bologna that offers seminars and workshops (typically online, but sometimes in-person) for its members that address important topics around academic freedom. It also runs projects around related topics, and offers other resources. All members of the CUE community can now access Observatory events and resources.

Professor Chris Brink provided a thoughtful keynote at the signing ceremony. He discussed the idea of academic freedom and the responsibility that comes along with it. Universities have a responsibility to speak the truth, and so must defend the freedom to do so. But we also have a responsibility to the society that supports us.

Speaking the truth can sometimes cause disruption. The autonomy that universities usually have, in part, empowers us to do that. Such disruption is often positive in that it moves our society forward. In recent times, as in the past, some university professors have spoken out on controversial matters, taking stances contrary to broader public opinion. We may not agree with them, but the airing of such perspectives is necessary to the academic endeavour. That is why these freedoms are so important. 

We need to exercise our freedoms responsibly. Sigmund Freud said “Most people do not really want freedom, because freedom involves responsibility, and most people are frightened of responsibility.” Responsibility is the counterbalance to the academic freedom we enjoy – it ensures that we do not use our freedoms maliciously or to cause harm to our society or individuals. Academic freedom and the responsible deployment of it go hand in hand.

Professor Brink raised the following question: What are your university’s responsibilities to society? His view is that individual universities should be free to decide that. With that in mind, what are CUE’s responsibilities to our society? I think that our university Mission captures our main responsibilities.

Concordia University of Edmonton is a community of learning grounded in scholarship and academic freedom, preparing students to be independent thinkers, ethical leaders and citizens for the common good.

As researchers and teachers, who also serve CUE and external bodies, we can weave these ideals of independent thought, ethics, and citizenship into our everyday work. In doing so, we will serve the common good of our society, exercising our freedoms in socially responsible ways. I offer these thoughts as a basis for reflection as we continue to enjoy and defend the academic freedom we have, and the responsibilities that come along with that.

Thanks for reading.