Mount Royal University Appeals Decision on Frances Widdowson's Reinstatement
Calgary university seeks appeal as controversial academic eyes reinstatement

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Mount Royal University in Calgary is appealing an Alberta Labour Relations Board decision that found the firing of former professor Frances Widdowson was disproportionate. Widdowson, known for her controversial views, argues for her reinstatement, claiming it is essential for academic freedom.
- 01Frances Widdowson was fired from Mount Royal University in 2021 due to her conduct during a social media dispute, not solely her controversial views.
- 02An arbitrator deemed her firing disproportionate but suggested monetary compensation instead of reinstatement.
- 03The Alberta Labour Relations Board found the arbitrator's decision 'unreasonable' and sent the case back for reassessment.
- 04Mount Royal University argues that the board's decision creates a dangerous precedent affecting labour law.
- 05Widdowson insists her reinstatement is crucial for preserving academic values in educational institutions.
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Mount Royal University is appealing a recent ruling from the Alberta Labour Relations Board regarding the termination of Frances Widdowson, a former tenured professor known for her controversial views on Canada's residential school system. Widdowson was dismissed in 2021 following her involvement in a social media conflict with colleagues. An arbitrator later found that while her conduct warranted discipline, her firing was disproportionate. The arbitrator suggested compensation instead of reinstatement due to concerns about her potential disruptive presence at the university. However, the Alberta Labour Relations Board deemed the arbitrator's refusal to reinstate Widdowson 'unreasonable,' sending the case back for further consideration. In June, the university filed an appeal to the Court of Appeal of Alberta, arguing that the board's decision undermines labour law and arbitrators’ authority. Widdowson contends that her reinstatement is necessary to uphold academic freedom and intends to challenge the university's actions vigorously.
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The appeal and its outcomes could influence academic freedom and employment policies at Mount Royal University and potentially other institutions.
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