Understanding Rights on Campus
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is more than a legal document—it's a promise that your voice, your identity, and your conscience are protected. This matters on campus.
What is the Charter?
The Charter is Canada's constitutional promise. It says that whether you're in a classroom, at a protest, or in a dorm room, certain fundamental freedoms belong to you. These rights apply to public universities and colleges, which means your institution has legal obligations to protect them.
The Rights That Shape Campus Life
Freedom to Speak Your Mind
You have the right to think, believe, speak, and express yourself—without fear of government punishment. This includes student activism, controversial opinions, protest, and saying things people disagree with.
Section 2(b)
The Right to Be Treated Fairly
No one can be discriminated against because of their race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected identity. Everyone deserves equal access to campus life and opportunity.
Section 15
When Rights Collide
Universities face a real tension: protecting your freedom to speak can mean hearing things that hurt. Creating an inclusive space can mean setting limits on speech. There's no perfect answer—but silence isn't the solution. Good institutions are transparent about how they make these choices, and they listen when students and faculty say the balance is off.
The Messy Reality
There's no perfect balance. But good institutions explain how they're trying. And they listen when they get it wrong.
Teaching Matters
Professors need space to explore difficult ideas. Students need space to think critically. Neither should live in fear.
Dignity for Everyone
Your freedom to speak matters. So does someone else's freedom to exist safely. The challenge is honouring both.