In the latest episode of the Responsibility Quotient Podcast, host Katherine Kowalchuk engages in a compelling conversation with political scientist and author Frances Widdowson. The episode, recorded on April 18, 2024, delves into Widdowson’s controversial experiences and her staunch advocacy for academic freedom and free speech.
Frances Widdowson, known for her critical stance on wokeism and its impact on academic institutions, shares her journey from being a professor at Mount Royal University to becoming a senior fellow at the Frontier Centre and a board member of the Society for Academic Freedom and Scholarship. She recounts the events leading to her termination in 2021, which stemmed from her outspoken views on free speech and Indigenous history.
Throughout the discussion, Widdowson highlights several key incidents that illustrate the suppression of free speech in universities. She discusses her experiences at the University of Lethbridge and the University of Alberta, where intense pressure from activists and administrators led to the cancellation of her talks on wokeism and academic freedom.
The conversation also explores the broader implications of wokeism in society, examining its roots and how it has permeated various institutions beyond academia. Widdowson provides a critical analysis of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s report on Indigenous residential schools, arguing that the term “cultural genocide” has been misused and that open dialogue on this topic is often stifled.
Kowalchuk and Widdowson delve into the differences between traditional socialism and modern woke progressivism, emphasizing the importance of preserving free speech to enable constructive debate on contentious issues. Widdowson identifies the need for respectful discourse across political spectrums and warns against the dangers of silencing dissenting voices.
The episode concludes with a call to action, urging listeners to support initiatives that defend academic freedom and free speech. Widdowson shares information about the Society for Academic Freedom and Scholarship and her fundraising efforts to continue her advocacy work.
This episode is a thought-provoking exploration of the challenges facing free speech in today’s socio-political climate, offering valuable insights into the importance of maintaining open and respectful dialogue. To learn more click here.