JCCF "demand letter":
"We urge that UBC not abandon one of 'its primary functions' of 'providing a forum where ideas can be expressed, debated & challenged.' Concerns for safety & security must be addressed in accordance with Cd’s rule of law as a free & democratic society." 2/
"We urge that UBC not abandon one of 'its primary functions' of 'providing a forum where ideas can be expressed, debated & challenged.' Concerns for safety & security must be addressed in accordance with Cd’s rule of law as a free & democratic society." 2/
The JCCF letter to the UBC president, sent on Dec 31, 2019, cites from the university's web page on freedom of expression. Not really something you can base a law suit on. Here's a link to the university's statements on freedom of expression:
academic.ubc.ca/support-resour…
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academic.ubc.ca/support-resour…
3/
There are no arguments in the JCCF letter that would support a law suit. I'll add my disclaimer: I'm no lawyer. I can still tell you why it's clear to me the JCCF demonstrates no basis for a law suit. Here's the full letter:
jccf.ca/wp-content/upl…]
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jccf.ca/wp-content/upl…]
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The letter uses the Provost/Vice-President's comments on freedom of expression & the Senates' Statement on Academic Freedom. It neglects that both statements also relate to the Statement on Respectful Environment for Students, Faculty & Staff. 5/
None of these statements, however, are laws. There is a law that governs the university, the University Act, and there are also Collective Agreements that govern employment relations incl academic freedom. The University Act makes no mention of freedom of speech or speakers. 6/
Here's the part of the University Act that describes the functions of a BC uni. Letting any outside speakers use uni buildings to propagate their views is not among them. What the Act says about uni spaces is that they need to be provided for instruction & original research. 7/ 
There is no doubt that #AndyNgo is only offering propaganda. The "demand letter" calls him a journalist; he is not a journalist; he does not deserve that description. Whichever of his opinions Ngo was planning to offer during his talk, they do no deserve a uni platform. 8/
#AndyNgo's own comments on the cancellation will give you a taste of his desire to radicalize. UBC letter of cancellation cited "concern about the safety and security of our campus community." No violence or threats were mentioned. But violence is what Ngo wants to evoke. 9/
#AndyNgo: “The appropriate response to violent extremists who threaten access to information in the academy is not to give in to their demands by cancelling the event."
Where does he see violent extremists in this case?
He is making them up for his own benefit.
10/
Where does he see violent extremists in this case?
He is making them up for his own benefit.
10/
#AndyNgo: "As is demonstrated over-and-over elsewhere, appeasing Antifa ideologues only emboldens them to make more demands. Their goal is to silence opposition through intimidation & violence."
Which antifa ideologues?
Where are they in this process of UBC decision-making? 12/
Which antifa ideologues?
Where are they in this process of UBC decision-making? 12/
@threadreaderapp unroll
