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What was grating, however, was the 10-minute introductory spiel, wherein several members of UTMIAS and CAFE gently reminded everyone that we were in a safe space, of their belief in fair and equal treatment for everyone, of the need for peaceful and civilized discussion, of the value of the human rights of everyone, of the approach to be taken (inclusive, diverse and affirming) and that the university’s “policy on disruption of meetings” was in effect.

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And, as at least two speakers proudly mentioned, these forums were “models for how sensitive topics can be discussed” because “apart from universities,” there are few spaces where such things can be freely kicked around.

Apart from universities? Are you kidding me? Universities are the last places I’d look for vigorous debate, least of all on sensitive topics.

The only time I’ve ever been shouted down, the speech cancelled (although the university had me back but with proper tickets and security), was at a university.

One need look no further than my alma mater, Ryerson University, where another men’s issues awareness group was rejected by the Ryerson Student Union for official club status, meaning they can’t apply for free association space or resources.

The Calgary-based Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms is now acting for the Ryerson Men’s Issues Awareness Society in a court action.

This is the same group that produces the Campus Freedom Index, a grading of Canadian universities and student unions on their stated policies on free speech (what they say they do) and their practices (what they actually do).