Hundreds of protesters drown out speaker Frances Widdowson at University of Lethbridge
Global News
Controversial former Mount Royal University professor Frances Widdowson was getting set to speak at the University of Lethbridge, but protesters took over the space.
An hour before a controversial former Mount Royal University professor Frances Widdowson was planning to speak at the University of Lethbridge, students could be seen filling the U Hall atrium.
But it was clear many weren’t interested in hearing her speak. They were preparing to send a message.
Widdowson has sparked some controversy in recent years, making headlines with her comments about residential schools.
It was confirmed last year she was fired from MRU in Calgary for allegations of workplace harassment and intimidation. Her case is in arbitration and MRU told Global News that the case remains confidential.
She was fired amid controversy over comments she made lauding the educational benefits of Canada’s residential school system while questioning whether abuses at the schools against Indigenous children equated to “cultural genocide,” as described in the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
Widdowson was invited then disinvited to speak on campus this week about her concerns that a mob mentality and “woke policies” increasingly threaten academic freedom.
About 2,500 students signed a petition pushing back on the university for hosting the speech.