Do They Really Think This Will Get Her to Tone It Down???

The following letter was sent to Ann Coulter by François Houle, Provost of the University of Ottawa where she is scheduled to give a speech. He claims that he is trying to help her to kee from running afoul of Canadian PC speech only allowed by law that passes itself off as "free speech". I think he is trying to intimidate her so she won't say anything that may get people to actually think for themselves let alone smacks of true free speech.

IMHO it will have just the opposite effect.

PS It is interesting to see how a university that is supposed to be a bastion of the exchange of ideas is actually trying to stop a real exchange. At least that is the excuse most "Catholic" colleges in the USA give for not upholding Catholic teaching. I guess it all depends on what the ideas are as to whether or not they can be exchanged.

Dear Ms. Coulter,

I understand that you have been invited by University of Ottawa Campus Conservatives to speak at the University of Ottawa this coming Tuesday. We are, of course, always delighted to welcome speakers on our campus and hope that they will contribute positively to the meaningful exchange of ideas that is the hallmark of a great university campus. We have a great respect for freedom of expression in Canada, as well as on our campus, and view it as a fundamental freedom, as recognized by our Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. I would, however, like to inform you, or perhaps remind you, that our domestic laws, both provincial and federal, delineate freedom of expression (or “free speech”) in a manner that is somewhat different than the approach taken in the United States. I therefore encourage you to educate yourself, if need be, as to what is acceptable in Canada and to do so before your planned visit here. You will realize that Canadian law puts reasonable limits on the freedom of expression. For example, promoting hatred against any identifiable group would not only be considered inappropriate, but could in fact lead to criminal charges. (emphasis mine) Outside of the criminal realm, Canadian defamation laws also limit freedom of expression and may differ somewhat from those to which you are accustomed. I therefore ask you, while you are a guest on our campus, to weigh your words with respect and civility in mind. There is a strong tradition in Canada, including at this University, of restraint, respect and consideration in expressing even provocative and controversial opinions and urge you to respect that Canadian tradition while on our campus. Hopefully, you will understand and agree that what may, at first glance, seem like unnecessary restrictions to freedom of expression do, in fact, lead not only to a more civilized discussion, but to a more meaningful, reasoned and intelligent one as well.

I hope you will enjoy your stay in our beautiful country, city and campus.

Sincerely,

François Houle
Vice-recteur aux études / Vice-President Academic and Provost
Université d’Ottawa / University of Ottawa
550, rue Cumberland Street
Ottawa (ON) K1N 6N5
téléphone / telephone : 613 562-5737
télécopieur / fax : 613 562-5103

Source: Mark Steyn (She's also asking for it) H/T: Patrick Archbold (In No Particular Order )