Former Mount Royal University policy professor Frances Widdowson will be hosting a debate about whether wokeism threatens academic freedom at the Lethbridge Public Library on Saturday from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. .The debate is being hosted by Widdowson, University of Lethbridge neuroscience student Jonah Pickle and philosopher professor Paul Viminitz, according to a Wednesday press release..Widdowson, Pickle, and Viminitz, will argue wokeism is a form of identity politics that has become totalitarian in nature, insisting the ways of knowing of marginalized groups be respected and valued. .To facilitate critical thinking and ensure diverse viewpoints are explored, opponents have been invited to put forward a counterargument. .The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (JCCF), the Society for Academic Freedom and Scholarship, and the Frontier Centre for Public Policy are sponsoring the event. .Widdowson said in January she would give a lecture about wokeism and academic freedom at U of L despite the school cancelling it. .READ MORE: UPDATED: Fired MRU professor vows to give talk at Lethbridge university despite cancellation.“The title of my talk is 'How Wokeism Threatens Academic Freedom,'” she said. .“You will have to haul me away by security to stop me.” .U of L was sued for its decision to cancel the event with Widdowson on August 1. .READ MORE: University of Lethbridge sued over cancelling Widdowson speaking event.The JCCF said the court action was filed against U of L on behalf of Widdowson, Pickle and Viminitz. .They challenge the decision to cancel the event where she was slated to speak as violating their freedoms of expression and assembly guaranteed under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. .With the previous event cancelled, Widdowson said they now look forward to having open debate and the opportunity to share ideas, to seek truth, and to discuss policy, which is required in a free, liberal society. .No registration is needed for the event.
