A few weeks after the adoption of a new policy on academic freedom, the controversial Université Laval professor Patrick Provost receives a fourth suspension.
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Mr. Provost will be suspended again without pay for one week, from June 24 to July 3, 2023. This time, he is accused of having participated during a period of suspension in two television interviews in an “alternative media”, this which contravenes the provisions of the collective agreement, can we read in a letter sent by Laval University, of which The newspaper got a copy.
The management considers that “the interviews granted, regardless of their scope, constitute professorial activities”, whereas these activities are totally prohibited during a period of suspension.
Mr. Provost, supported by his union, claims rather that these public interventions were made in a personal capacity.
“They are still trying to silence me and it is quite deplorable,” he said in an interview with the Log.
The management of the establishment “seeks to make me wear the hat of professor of Laval University at all times, in all aspects of my life”, which interferes with “my freedom of expression”, affirms the one who defines himself like a whistleblower.
Mr. Provost has already been suspended twice, for a total of six months, for controversial remarks on anti-COVID vaccines.
This RNA specialist opposes vaccinating children against COVID, questioning its effectiveness and benefits, which goes against the scientific consensus on the issue.
A third day of suspension was also imposed on him in connection with the mass sending of unauthorized e-mails internally.
For its part, the Union of Professors of Laval University “vigorously contests” this new sanction, which could even create “a dangerous precedent in terms of academic freedom”, affirms its president, Louis-Philippe Lampron.
The controversial positions of the professor are once again at the heart of the dispute, he underlines. However, Université Laval could very well have dissociated itself from it publicly without going so far as to sanction it, estimates Mr. Lampron.
“Regardless of what we think of the positions taken by colleague Provost, for us, the big problem is the sanctions that are imposed and the reasons that are put forward to justify them” since they go to the against academic freedom, he explains.
This new chapter in the “Provost affair” comes as Université Laval adopted a new policy on academic freedom a few weeks ago, as provided for in Law 32 passed in June.
For its part, the management of Laval University recalls that it cannot comment directly on the situation, since the personal file of an employee is confidential.
Its spokesperson, Andrée-Anne Stewart, indicates that Laval University was the first in Quebec to adopt a statement of principle on freedom of expression, after two years of work.
“Laval University subscribes to the fundamental commitment of its members to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly in a safe environment conducive to the free exchange of ideas so that understanding and knowledge progress” , she says in a written response.
“Université Laval wants to be a place where all voices can be heard and where different points of view can be submitted and debated in a spirit of inclusion, respect and dignity,” adds Ms. Stewart.