The Ottawa Police Association (OPA) is embargoing several Carleton programs in response to the actions of one professor, according to association president Matt Skof.
Skof said criminology professor Darryl Davies should not have invited a witness, who was involved in a police misconduct trial, to speak with his class before the trial began.
Skof and his union are entitled to that opinion. What they are not entitled to is holding the entire Carleton institution and community hostage for the actions of one man.
They are not entitled to intimidate Davies, or Carleton, into giving an apology.
If Skof and his union take such issue with Davies, they should take action with him directly.
Whether Davies’ actions were right or wrong, Skof should not be trying to control the dialogue taking place in a university. It’s troubling someone would attempt to do so.
Professors must be able to teach their classes and open dialogue without fear of backlash that affects an entire institution. Questioning institutional authority is part of the university learning experience.
Students should think critically about what they’re being taught. They should question, analyze, and consider different viewpoints. They can make decisions on their own about the content they are being taught.
