Call for Carleton University to Uphold Freedom of Expression After Its Cancellation of a Palestine Advocacy Event with Sami Hamdi

This email campaign to the President and administration of Carleton University is necessitated by the recent cancellation of a Palestine advocacy event organized by the Carleton University Muslim Students Association (CUMSA) and the Canadian Muslim Public Affairs Council (CMPAC) with guest speaker Sami Hamdi, which has raised serious concerns about the suppression of freedom of expression on campus.

The abrupt decision to cancel the event seems to be a result of yielding to anti-Palestinian pressure and represents a troubling precedent for the silencing of advocacy and debate within the university community.

The decision made by Carleton University is particularly concerning given its timing. It followed a joint letter from Members of Parliament dated February 4th, 2024, which raised alarms about the increasing Islamophobia, anti-Palestinian, and anti-Arab sentiment on Canadian campuses. This letter underscored the critical need to counteract the vilification and dehumanization of Palestinians and to defend the rights of those advocating for their legitimate aspirations. It stressed the importance of safeguarding freedoms of speech, association, and assembly and reinforced the commitment to uphold robust debate. Read CMPAC's full statement online here

The campaign aims to prompt an immediate review of the cancellation decision, seek a formal apology, and ensure the university takes concrete steps to protect and uphold the fundamental rights to free speech, association, and assembly.