February 23, 2024

Professor Wood, a researcher of social movements and protest whose work has been awarded by both the Canadian Sociological Association and York University itself, 10F was suspended by the York University administration on November 23, 2023 after she was criminally charged for alleged participation in nonviolent protest activity, charges for which she has not been convicted and with respect to whic. [...] As the oldest and most active civil liberties organization in the country, with a mandate to promote civil liberties and human rights in BC and across Canada, the BC Civil Liberties Association (BCCLA) has deep concerns about the consequences of Professor Wood’s suspension for academic freedom and freedom of expression. [...] Professor Wood’s suspension threatens academic freedom at York University and well beyond it, undermining the fundamental right – indeed, the core responsibility – of academics to freely speak out about public matters as citizens and members of the academic community without fear of reprisal. [...] As the professor is accused of taking part in a protest action supporting a longstanding campaign against the HESEG Foundation for Lone Soldiers and opposing the state of Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, her suspension further contributes to the chilly environment 1 Professor Wood’s book, Direct Action, Deliberation, and Diffusion: Collective Action After the WTO Protests in Seattle (Ca. [...] It is our expectation and sincere hope that York University, like all other universities in Canada and internationally, will uphold and strongly defend the principles of academic freedom and freedom of expression.