Ryerson University cancels ‘free speech’ panel discussion due to safety concerns

Ryerson University has cancelled a contentious panel discussion on “stifling free expression” on university campuses, due to concerns they could not ensure the “necessary level of public safety” for the event to take place, according to their director of communications.

The panel was supposed to feature four panelists that included Faith Goldy, a reporter from the far-right publication The Rebel, and Jordan Peterson, a University of Toronto professor who made headlines last year for his refusal to use gender-neutral pronouns, VICE News previously reported.

Ryerson’s director of communications Michael Forbes said that after the school conducted a review, they concluded the resources to ensure safety were not up to standards.

“We have told the organizers that Ryerson will no longer provide a room for their event,” he wrote.

He also spoke to the controversial nature of free speech on campuses, which has often led to marginalized people on campus feeling unsafe.

“There is often a tension at universities resulting from our commitment to be a place for free speech and our commitment to be a place that is civil, safe, and welcoming. In light of recent events, Ryerson University is prioritizing campus safety.”

Goldy blamed it on the “alt-left.”

Backlash on Twitter took place in response to the event’s cancellation, calling it ironic and emphasizing the need for an event like this to take place.

It is not clear whether the event will be rescheduled to another location.

Ryerson has previously experienced much criticism on the topic of free speech and the safety of marginalized identities. Last year, the school worked with the student union for a solution to the pro-life advocates on their campus who presented triggering images of graphic abortions around the school.

The University of Toronto said this week that it is not allowing a white nationalist group to hold a rally on campus in September.