Sheridan College will adopt a new policy endorsed by all 24 of Ontario’s colleges, enshrining free speech on campus in the new year.

The college, which has campuses in Brampton, Mississauga and Oakville, said in a Dec. 17 release that the new policy would come into effect starting Jan. 1, 2019.

“The free exchange of ideas is fundamental to the success of higher education,” said Sheridan’s president and vice chancellor, Janet Morrison. “This policy codifies the existing practice of respectful discourse and debate, professionalism, civility, and freedom of expression that is already commonplace at Sheridan.”

The policy is based on the University of Chicago’s Statement on Principles of Free Expression, which describes free speech as “not restrict(ing) debate or deliberation because the ideas put forth are thought to be offensive, unwise, immoral, or wrong-headed.”