Hundreds of protesters drown out speaker Frances Widdowson at University of Lethbridge | 24CA News

An hour earlier than a controversial former Mount Royal University professor Frances Widdowson was planning to talk on the University of Lethbridge, college students might be seen filling the U Hall atrium.

But it was clear many weren’t eager about listening to her converse. They had been making ready to ship a message.

Widdowson has sparked some controversy lately, making headlines together with her feedback about residential colleges.

It was confirmed final yr she was fired from MRU in Calgary for allegations of office harassment and intimidation. Her case is in arbitration and MRU instructed Global News that the case stays confidential.

She was fired amid controversy over feedback she made lauding the academic advantages of Canada’s residential college system whereas questioning whether or not abuses on the colleges towards Indigenous youngsters equated to “cultural genocide,” as described within the last report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

Widdowson was invited then disinvited to talk on campus this week about her considerations {that a} mob mentality and “woke policies” more and more threaten educational freedom.

About 2,500 college students signed a petition pushing again on the college for internet hosting the speech.

Earlier this week, the college rescinded area for Widdowson to talk after immense backlash, however she introduced on Facebook she deliberate to attend regardless, stating she must be hauled away by safety to be stopped.

Her presentation: “How ‘Woke-Ism’ Threatens Academic Freedom.”

Kairvee Bhatt, president of the U of L Students’ Union, stated college students determined to lease the area on Wednesday for their very own “celebration.”

“We’re here to really amplify Black voices, trans voices, Indigenous voices,” she stated. “This is really a show of support for our entire community here on campus given some difficult times that we’re facing.”

The atrium was adorned with “Every Child Matters” posters, and one particular person was handing out a flyers with the phrases “racism is not free speech.”

Students, workers, college, and members of the neighborhood, together with members of the Metis Nation of Alberta, had been in attendance.

“This talk is not going to be happening here,” Bhatt instructed media earlier than the occasion.

“She was given notice that the talk is cancelled on campus. If she wants to come by here she’s welcome to join in on our round dance, she’s welcomed to join in on the festivities, she’s welcomed to play a game of ping pong with us — but that’s all that’s going to be happening here.”

Widdowson arrived round 4:30 p.m., and noticed and applauded the drumming and dancing. But it rapidly turned clear she wouldn’t be capable to give her lecture there, and tried to maneuver to a special location.

She was adopted and stated she finally left the constructing round 5 p.m. with the assistance of safety.

“I wasn’t afraid or anything,” Widdowson instructed Global News after the very fact. “I wasn’t threatened by it.

“I was just sort of disappointed that I wasn’t able to speak.”

Mike Mahon, president of vice-chancellor of the U of L, launched a press release relating to the peaceable protest.

“Earlier tonight, over 700 students, staff, faculty and community supporters engaged in a protest of a controversial speaker, and another large group attended a lecture on the importance of truth before reconciliation,” Mahon’s assertion learn.

“Tonight’s events were a coming together of our community to show support for each other and a reflection of the values of the University of Lethbridge.

“I would like to express my sincere appreciation to our community members for conducting themselves in such a peaceful and powerful manner.”

1:58U of L cancels controversial lecture Frances Widdowson, speaker nonetheless presenting on campus

Widdowson added she gave a profitable speak to a category of philosophy college students on Tuesday, on the invitation of a professor.

“It was an excellent class,” she stated.

“I was really, very very heartened by the students. They didn’t agree with me. They had very important questions that they wanted to ask.”

Widdowson stated she gave the deliberate lecture that didn’t occur in-person via on Zoom Wednesday at 7 p.m.

— With recordsdata from Dean Bennett, The Canadian Press

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