university ottawa racial slurs freedom of speech

75% of Canadians support the use of racial slurs in universities if used to stimulate broader discussion

To “protect freedom of expression at all costs.”

According to a study by Léger, 75% of Canadians think we should protect freedom of expression at all costs in our universities, including the use of certain culturally insensitive words if used to stimulate broader discussion. 25% think we should limit freedom of expression in our universities and ban certain words/expressions that may be offensive to some, regardless of context.

In another question asked to the same respondents specifically regarding the University of Ottawa controversy, 57% of Canadians tend to support the professor over the students.

The following context was provided before the questions related to freedom of expression in universities:

“Recently a University of Ottawa professor used a culturally insensitive word (often referred to as the “N-word”) in her class as part of a discussion looking at how some minority groups reclaim certain expressions when defining their identity. Some students in her class felt it was inappropriate for the professor to use this word and have taken to social media to voice their concerns. As a result of the social media concerns, the University temporarily suspended the professor.”

—Léger
75% of Canadians support the use of racial slurs in universities if used to stimulate broader discussion

For the complete results and methodology, please visit the Léger website.


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