Freedom of Expression Statement

As an Independent Academic Institution (“IAI”) under the Alberta Post-Secondary Learning Act, the students and employees of MaKami College Inc. (“the College”) have the right to free expression including freedom to investigate, comment, listen, gather, challenge, and critique the College’s policies and procedures of our campuses and institution.

The College is an inclusive and safe space and to ensure our policies and procedures reflect that, the College has adopted the eight key principles from the Chicago Principles to foster and facilitate open discussions and free inquiry.

  • Free speech may not violate Canadian law.
  • Institutions are places of free and open inquiry in all matters, and all members of each institution’s community are guaranteed the broadest possible latitude to speak, write, listen, challenge, and learn. 
  • Community members have the right to criticize and question other views expressed on campus but cannot obstruct or interfere with others’ freedom of speech.
  • Institutions should not attempt to shield students from ideas or opinions they disagree with or find offensive. Mutual respect and civility are valued, but do not constitute sufficient justification to limit free speech. 
  • The institution may reasonably regulate the time, place, and manner of expression to ensure that it does not disrupt the ordinary activities of the institution. 
  • The institution may restrict expression that violates the law, falsely defames an individual, or constitutes a genuine threat or harassment that unjustifiably invades substantial privacy or confidentiality of interests. 
  • Debate or deliberation may not be suppressed because the ideas put forward are thought by some, or even most, to be offensive, unwise, immoral, or wrong-headed. It is for individuals not the institution, to make those judgments for themselves and to act not by seeking to suppress speech, but by openly and vigorously contesting the ideas they oppose.

All individuals who attend or are employed by the College are required to understand and comply with the College’s policies, procedures and any other requirements as it relates to their role at the College.

As part of the freedom of expression procedure and in compliance with the Government of Alberta requirements, the College will record and report annually.

Statement issued by the Board of MaKami College on February 1, 2024.

Comments and complaints can be submitted using existing policies and procedures.