Canadian Universities Captured By Woke Totalitarianism

"Universities are in serious trouble because they've been seriously impacted by equity, diversity and inclusion ideology."

"That's the idea that in order to be inclusive you need to stop certain ideas from being discussed."

"This is across the board in universities in Canada. There's some obviously that are worse than others, but the University of Lethbridge is the worst of all of them."

"There's a lot of self censorship going on and a lot of direct censorship where universities take a political position and they make life difficult for anyone who challenges that position."

"My ultimate objective is to make universities academic spaces once more. I'm trying to sound the alarm about how important universities are for democratic societies." 

Professor Frances Widdowson

 

Professor Widdowson, a former associate professor in the department of economics, justice and policy studies at Mount Royal University in Calgary, is viewed by most Canadian academic institutions as a social/academic disrupter and by extension a health and safety risk. This view has tainted her value as an academic to those committed to practising DEI as a fulcrum around which all university departments are expected to operate.

 

In 2021 Professor Widdowson's position at the university was terminated. The university's own faculty association claimed alongside Professor Widdowson that her dismissal represented a breach of academic freedom, while an arbitrator ruled that the termination represented a disproportionate response from Mount Royal University. For her part, the professor views the University of Lethbridge which had raised a trespass notice over her presence, as hopelessly infected with the oppression of woke ideology's totalitarianism. 

"In recent years, Canadian universities have drifted from their core purposes — education and discovery — toward a divisive program of redistribution and social change."

"Ottawa bears significant responsibility for this shift. The federal granting councils for science and engineering, health and the social sciences have weaved “diversity, equity and inclusion” (DEI) into their rules for access and adjudication."

"In practice, DEI now means: mandatory self‑identification questionnaires for applicants and reviewers, compulsory bias‑training modules, equity targets tied to eligibility for marquee programs, and grant criteria that reward conformity to identity‑based frameworks over scientific promise."

Mikko Packalen, Financial Post 

Aristotle Foundation

 

Professor Widdowson, in contravention to the accepted ideology of DEI and the effects of 'imperial colonialism', made herself persona non grata with-a-vengeance at Canadian universities when she pushed back in her politically incorrect observations  relating to the May 2021 assertion by the Tkemlups te Sewepemic Nation, when it declared that ground-penetrating radar had revealed the presence of hundreds of unmarked graves of First Nations children attending the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. 

 

Canadian flag at half-mast

That stunning 'revelation' that shocked the nation and made international headlines, and which led the-then prime minister to declare a genocide had been perpetrated on Canada's Indigenous communities, while ordering the Canadian flag at half-mast for six months was not related to reality. The contractor who had used the ground-penetrating radar had made it quite clear in his report that the anomalies registered were not those of dead bodies; they could have been anything, from buried and long-forgotten signage, to logs or any kind of discarded objects buried by time.

 

Millions in federal funding went out to the First Nations claiming such previously unknown graveyards of aboriginal children, to pay for deeper investigations into identifying whether there were human remains buried where they were said to be, or merely random anomalies within the soil. The years passed, the funds disappeared, but there were no startling revelations reflecting reality. Despite which no questioning of the fully accepted claims were to be countenanced. And Professor Widdowson did her share of  questioning.  "I argue that there's no evidence at this time for the existence of clandestine burials at Kamloops."

 

Critical race theory: 'Diversity' is not the solution, dismantling white supremacy is. Carleton University

 

A proposed address at University of Lethbridge called "How 'Wokism' Threatens Academic Freedom" scheduled by Professor Widdowson was cancelled in 2023. Her presence on the Lethbidge campus for an event in February saw a large protest from students banging drums and shouting abuse. That event persuaded the university to issue a trespass notice against Professor Widdowson. "Safety concerns and significant disruptions" at other universities caused by Professor Widdowson was the reason stated for the trespass notice.

 

When, in April, Professor Widdowson returned to the university she was deterred from  going on campus. She returned again, when she was ordered by security to leave, in recognition of the trespass order. When she protested "they called in the police and put me in handcuffs and dragged me out and put me in the paddy wagon, and then gave me a $600 ticket", she said. Which sounds rather like an action one might expect in a police state. "The University has reasonable grounds to believe that Widdowson's presence would again result in significant disruption that exceeds the University's ability to manage it", was the response to news media. 

 

Professor Widdowson's idea of teaching academic rigour is questioning rationales that do not necessarily make sense, to obtain a well-rounded explanation of why they should be accepted and for that purpose she uses Spectrum Street Epistemology where students are asked whether they strongly agree, strongly disagree or are neutral on positions much like the Kamloops graves controversy. Once a student makes a choice they are then asked for evidence to support their belief. "It's a very good way to get people to be thinking about the evidence that they are using to come to the understanding that they are", she explained.  

 

National Post.com

 

"By putting pressure on the political side, with the politicians, the legal side, and the cultural side, by going in with direct action and exposing the unbelievable totalitarianism which is starting to emerge on these campuses, I'm hoping that I'll be able to put universities in Canada back on an academic footing."

Professor Frances Widdowson 

This Is Their Truth, Different From Yours

"You are not going to like this tweet so turn away if you are likely to be triggered: I am a very optimistic person; I am a fighter for Western values and liberties; I am a dogged defender of science, reason, and common sense. I must say though that I am unsure that the West can recover from its multifront civilizational suicide. Yes, I've talked about these issues for decades and wrote a book about it [The Parasitic Mind: How Infectious Ideas Are Killing Common Sense] but the past few weeks have crystallized the extent to which the problem has become intractable."

"It will be a long and ultimately bloody demise and the West will be the first society in recorded history to fully self-implode due to its parasitic ideological rapture. It is a gargantuan Greek tragedy that will shape the future of humanity. this is not hyperbole. Your grandchildren will pay a very high price for your 'progressive' arrogance rooted in the pursuit of Unicornia that only exists in the recesses of deeply flawed parasitized minds."

Gad Saad, evoluntionary behavioural scientist, professor, author: The Saad Truth about Happiness: 8 Secrets for Leading the Good Life 

Justin Trudeau says Canada is the world's first "postnational state." But the goal of the alternative, transnationalism, is to override the rules, customs and sovereignty of individual nations and allow the virtually unrestricted flow of global money.  Vancouver Sun

 

Professor Saad lists parasitic ideas destroying the West, overturning the conventional, traditional values that expressed Enlightenment values that are the foundation of society by converting the minds of people in the public and those in authority from belief in the verities of existence, of conscience, and consciousness of human need based on reality, to reject these as outdated, to be replaced by ethereal, simplistic and unbalanced musings on a world free of base, unworthy values.

Canada has had ample experience these past eight years or so with post-nationalism, where nothing in the past that forms the base of respect for heritage and history is worth contemplating any longer, in a reflection of their colonialist, imperialist, white-man's entitled society unfair to the point of genocidal behaviour toward the original inhabitants of the land called Canada. A prime minister proud of his 'feminist' credentials, his unalloyed celebration of the LGBTQ-2-and-more community whose rights of recognition prevail above those of conventional social mores.

Postmodernism is a reflection of an idea pathogen, explains Professor Saad; a form of intellectual terrorism positing no objective truths since obviously subjective relativism taints claims of truth along with personal biases. The "antiquated" reality of what differentiates a man from a woman is a mere biological happenstance amenable to transition when the mind convinces the body it is a delusional aspect of creation. No longer will the world community cleave to a fixed idea of two sexes.

 

People participate in the Trans Pride March in Toronto. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Eduardo Lima

 

After all, gynecologists clinging to progressivism aver that men can menstruate, not just women, and as for bearing children, why not men, too? Penises are in actual fact a type of  vagina, and this new reality has been recognized by medical professionals whose expertise lies in female medicine. The world, reality, biology and science have all undergone monumental changes and we hadn't noticed until these facts were placed before us, the science of progress in human nature settled.

And as for Diversity, Inclusion and Equity; long time coming that the entitled white elite whose exclusive entree to the corridors of power faced reality. No longer will the advantages bred of wealth and private schools, the pampering of spoiled minds usher in a future of ease and rich opportunities; universities and corporate offices are now headed by more open-minded, DIE-absorbing arbiters who favour opportunities for the downtrodden of society, people of colour, approval by BLM stalwarts; none others need apply.

The relativistic framework of cultural relativism looks kindly upon traditions unknown in Western culture, but a refreshing new lens is the medium through which issues such as female genital circumcision, honour killings, tribal/sectarian antipathies, child marriage and other such practices should be viewed. Why, after all, should Western values abhor the practise in some geographic settings of exposing and teaching children as young as six to view violent conflict and weapons handling as beneficial to their futures as martyrs for a sacred ideological cause?

 

Above all, equating cultural barbaric practices with government policies of multiculturalism is unworthy of any further thought. Foundational values of a welcoming society absorbing immigrants from far abroad whose experiences and heritage and religions are so at variance with that of the indigenous population that they join, should be optional for adoption. That incoming migrants, refugees and immigrants might choose to bring with them their own laws, values and commitments must be honoured. 

Additionally, to harbour hostility against people committing crimes with the expectation they be punished accordingly, is to deny them their human rights. And simply because those emanating from Africa and the Middle East commit crimes disproportionate to their numbers is a misunderstanding of their cultural heritage. In particular those arriving to prosper in Canada, for example, in a new beginning of their future lives whose baggage is replete with Jew-hate must not be admonished when they march in triumph over the slaughter of 1,200 Jews in Israel. 

Protesters hold Palestinian flags outside the U.S. Consulate in Toronto on Saturday. (Kyaw Soe Oo/Reuters)

Medical Science vs 'Social Justice'?

"[The 2025 framework for training future physicians] affords us the opportunity to think critically and propose a vision for the practice of medicine which is rooted in social justice, anti-racism, anti-oppression and cultural safety, promoting a broader cultural shift which is necessary for the profession."

"A new model of CanMEDS would seek to centre values such as anti-oppression, anti-racism and social justice, rather than medical expertise."

"[The new system envisioned] would prioritize bidirectional relationships with patients, providers, communities, the land, the health system and society at large rather than the individual physician as a gatekeeper of professionalized knowledge. With this new model, we can reflect a stance of humility over hubris."

Anti-racism working group

"In daily practice, [DEI] is barely given a nod. We are overwhelmed by the volume of patients that need care on a daily basis."

"Our work has bled into our evenings and weekends leaving very little time to think about what seems to be both a political and academic exercise. You can imagine the chaos that would ensue if patients were queued based on perceived oppression as opposed to the acuity of their medical condition."

"The vast majority of physicians have entered the field in order to care for others. There is an abundance of empathy and kindness among my colleagues."

"[DEI] has tried to piggyback on these noble traits and impose a social justice agenda that is driven by only a handful of activist physicians." 

Dr. David Jacobs, president, Ontario Association of Radiologists

AAMC.org

 

It was only a matter of time, after all. The overwhelming social agenda of diversity-equality-inclusion activists determined to change societal norms and to have everyone everywhere condemn 'colonialist'  and 'imperialist' racism in all its guises, where those judged white have been privileged and entitled for far too long, and it's now the turn of Black, Indigenous and People of Colour to be advantaged over white entitlement, has entered government at all levels, schools and universities, the professional bodies, unions and every other facet of society.

Now, it seems, it's the turn of the medical profession. A profession overwhelmed by the demands of its services on a growing public that cannot find primary care physicians, reflective of the shortages of medical professionals. Who themselves are beyond fatigue working long hours, trying to compensate for the dearth of family doctors, coping with infuriating government paperwork; underpaid and feeling under-appreciated. Now, a final assault on their consciousness, to imbibe the social justice message to incorporate it thoroughly in all their experiences with the public.

Under the auspices of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, a working group is opting to push for the training of future doctors to concentrate on social justice and anti-racism; medical expertise, evidently, is optional. Move over, Enlightenment ideals of science and reason; Marxist ideology is preparing to take over...

AAMC.org

 

CanMEDs is implemented by a consortium including the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, the College of Family Physicians of Canada, the Canadian Medical Association, the Medical Council of Canada and the Quebec College of Physicians, as well as others. According to the anti-racism working group that reports to CanMED, the medical profession is described in their report as committing "structural violence" against the marginalized. Leading to its authors proposing a social justice solution to be implemented within the health system.

In one section of the report entitled "Decentering medical expertise", a shift away from medical expertise is called for, toward values such as anti-racism, anti-oppression, shared humanity and decolonization. What could go wrong? This "humility over hubris" concept represents the virtue of the caring and compassionate working group, deploring their haughty, pride-filled colleagues. Another section in the report calls for recognition that historical power structures such as "white supremacy, hetero-patriarchy and capitalism" inform the present, and something desperately must be done to change it.

AAMC.org

 

In Dr. Jacobs' opinion the cult of diversity, equality and inclusion strives to alter medicine from a discipline caring for patients to one championing social justice -- to the extreme detriment of the former, and therefore to society at large. Aside from which, the entire concept is the product of disturbed minds. ("This is bonkers") The goal of medicine is to train doctors in medical competency. In the world of DEI, doctors are to be "tested for 'purity of thought'."

"Equity is about recognizing and accommodating people’s differences to ensure that every individual has what they need to thrive. In the background to its policy on equity and diversity in medicine Opens in a new window, the CMA says equity is achieved when 'every person has the opportunity, with their own identity, culture, and characteristics, to create and sustain a career as, or receive care from, a medical professional without discrimination or any other cultural or characteristic-related negative bias or barrier'."

Canadian Medical Association Website

Hitting all the right notes in intersectionality; female and Black...Canadian Medical Association website

"Beyond the obvious worrisome impact on patients, there is also an impact on physicians' freedom of expression and thought."

"[DEI] is governed and policed by a small unelected and unaccountable group that is using the authority of universities and medical governing bodies to establish what is acceptable and what is unacceptable thought."

"[Medicine should return to embracing respect and partnership with patients, and] strongly reject those who would try to weave their political and social agenda into the doctor-patient relationship."

Dr. David Jacobs

Publicly state and reaffirm its support for diversity in medical education and acknowledge the incorporation of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts as a vital aspect of medical training.

Directly oppose any local, state or federal actions that aim to limit diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, curriculum requirements or funding in medical education.

Advocate for resources to establish and maintain DEI offices at medical schools that are staff managed and student- and physician-guided as well as committed to longitudinal community engagement.

Investigate the impacts of state legislation regarding DEI-related efforts on the education and careers of students, trainees and faculty.

American Medical Association

Inclusiveness ... Or Exclusion?

"The targets are in place to address a historic and persistent under-representation in the program of individuals from the four designated groups as identified in the employment equity act: women, racialized minorities, Indigenous Peoples, and persons with disabilities."

Statement, Canada Research Chair program

 

"[Only a small number of positions are advertised with such exclusive criteria, as a way to help institutions meet their targets to ensure that we have representation."

"Men are not being barred from participating in the program."

Marie-Lynne Boudreau, director of performance, equity and diversity, Tri-agency Institutional Programs Secretariat, Canada Research Chair program

 

"On the surface, to the Canadian general public [this does] seem very discriminatory in the sense that it's reverse discrimination, right?"

"When [a hiring committee] they have an open call, other subjective factors, sort of overwhelm and hijack the actual qualifications needed."

"To me, what Canada's doing is to actually make it fair. People who have access to influence and resources and know how to make the system work for them -- that is not meritocracy."

Eddy Ng, Smith Professor of Equity & Inclusion in Business, Queen's University

The University of Waterloo campus in Waterloo, Ontario. Photo by Lars Hagberg/The Canadian Press/File

The University of Waterloo recently posted a Canada Research Chair for climate change, water or future cities research in the faculty of environment. The posting restricts potential entrants for the position to anyone self-identifying as female, transgender, non-binary or two-spirit. In the faculty of engineering a  job notice lists the same exclusionary requirement. And to complete the trifecta, a second engineering position has opened singularly to "First Nations, Metis, Inuit/Inuk and those from other Indigenous communities across Turtle Island."

 

There was a time, not so long ago, when it was the other half of recognized binary humanity, women, who were being highlighted as disadvantaged against male applicants for university positions. Equity at that time was labelled 'affirmative action'. And at that, it was white men and women candidates for university positions. Then the search for equality extended to black candidates. And now it has moved to fully embrace all those whom liberal-progressives identify as the ignored, disadvantaged minority groups within society.

 

Initiated in 2000, the Canada Research Chairs program funds these positions to the tune of about $311 million annually with the intention of spurring science and research, finding the most suitable candidates to fill the chairs, individuals recognized for their outstanding professional capabilities in their areas of expertise. The intention is "to attract and retain a diverse cadre of world-class researchers, to reinforce academic research and training excellence". 

Latterly, the program set targets to increase representation of certain groups, to address a lack of diversity among the chairs; women and gender minorities to constitute 50.9 percent of all such Chairs across the entire program, with 22 percent visible minorities, 7.5 percent people with disabilities, and 4.9 percent indigenous, roughly corresponding to population statistics.

According to the latest information on the CRC program website, at October 2021, 40.9 percent of positions across the program were held by women and gender minorities, 22.8 percent by visible minorities, 5.8 percent by persons with disabilities and 3.4 percent by Indigenous  people. Men constitute a majority (54.2 percent) of Canada Research Chairs; the gender ratio persists within other designated categories. 

 

Human rights complaints arguing that white men were over-represented in the program to the detriment of those represented by protected groups spurred deadlines the universities must meet for diversity targets, extending to 2027. According to research out of the University of Saskatchewan, 82.4 percent of respondents agree that diversity is 'fairly' or 'very' vital to the workplace. This widespread belief aside, 59.8 percent of respondents feel demographics should not factor into hiring decisions. The focus should be on perceived merit, at risk of reducing workplace diversity.

There was a time, in the early quarter of the last century, in early years of the 1900s when universities practised strict quotas against admitting Jews to Canadian universities. Either as students and even more so, teaching positions. Jewish intellectuals found themselves persona non grata at Canadian universities until the 1930s when those restrictions began to ease. Jewish academics practising in the teaching profession were a rarity; a result of racial prejudice rife at the time. Exclusion then, inclusion now.

"Had we continued our discrimination against Jewish professors ... there would have been a significant deficit in the advancement of knowledge."

"Thankfully, we moved in the right direction against discrimination. But now, somehow, we've embraced this false notion that discrimination can be good and it simply cannot."

"In general when immutable characteristics become the bar by which someone is offered a job, well, of course, you're going to have people who are not as qualified."

"And, the thing that concerns me is ... it's suggesting that they could not make it on their own merit."

"This is the height of racism. This is an incredibly racist policy, to say that someone who was a person of colour could not compete on their own competency and merit."

David Millard Haskell, professor, faculty of liberal arts, Laurier University