RE: Principal Fortier’s Statement on “Academic Freedom and Inclusiveness”
A statement by the Black Students' Network in collaboration with the Black Law Students' Association of McGill and McGill African Students Society (MASS).
The use of the n-word by Dr. Verushka Lieutenant-Duval, an instructor at the University of Ottawa, has prompted nation-wide discussions on what “academic freedom” entails and permits. Principal Fortier expressed views on the issue of academic freedom in a statement communicated with the McGill community on October 26th, 2020. The Black Students’ Network of McGill University strongly condemns this statement as it displays a failure to understand the true essence of “integrity”, “responsibility'', “equity” and “inclusiveness” despite Principal Fortier’s use of these very terms.
In referring to “academic freedom” and “inclusivity”, Principal Fortier asserted “abandoning one principal in favour of another is not a solution”. The language of “equity” and “inclusiveness” was co-opted to justify racism in the academic space under the guise of “academic freedom”. As the leader of an institution responsible for knowledge production, Principal Fortier ought to revise her understanding of academic freedom. Principal Fortier’s understanding of “academic freedom” permits denying Black students the right to learn in a safe environment. In discussions concerning Anti-Black racism, several students have highlighted the University’s hostile environment, feelings of isolation, and consistent micro-aggressions. These feelings are not new for Black students, they are rooted in a legacy of Anti-Black racism at this institution and in academia. The use of the n-word exacerbates this situation.
It is imperative to consider how James McGill’s wealth was acquired through his enslavement of Black and Indigenous people and his significant ties to the TransAtlanctic Slave Trade. Accordingly, as an institution founded upon his wealth, McGill University has a special responsibility to recognize the trauma and violence linked to the n-word. The University must also acknowledge the implications of the n-words’ use on the Black student population. The Principal mandated the Provost’s Anti-Black Racism Action Plan that proposes implementing institutional support for Black Students. A more definitive statement from the Principal addressing the use of the n-word signifies the start of honoring the Provost’s Anti-Black Racism Plan.
As Black students, engaging in such a discussion is dehumanizing. Principal Fortier promotes a conception of academic freedom that does not explicitly define limits to exercising it. We should not be put in the position to explain why the use of the n-word in the academic space cannot be justified. Noting this, we request an apology from Principal Fortier. This should serve as an opportunity for Principal Fortier to resist the legacy of Black people’s subjugation in this institution- a legacy that enslaved Black and Indigenous peoples to develop this institution.
https://www.bsnmcgill.com/