Frances Widdowson, a former Mount Royal University professor known for her contentious views on Canada’s residential school system, was arrested for trespassing at the University of Lethbridge recently. Lethbridge police confirmed that Widdowson was removed from the premises and fined $600 for trespassing.
The University of Lethbridge revealed that Widdowson is under a trespass notice since early February, following an unscheduled event on campus that sparked significant protests. Despite being reminded in writing on April 20 about the trespass notice, Widdowson violated it on April 24 by driving onto campus, leading to police intervention.
Upon her return the next day, university security asked Widdowson to leave, but she refused, prompting them to involve the police, who enforced the trespass notice. Widdowson, who often faces protests due to her controversial views, claimed she had informed officials of her visit to meet with students and believed the trespass notice was unjust.
Widdowson’s confrontations with authorities are not new. In previous incidents, she was arrested and charged under the Trespass Act during political events at other universities. Widdowson criticized the university for its handling of the situation, accusing them of suppressing her ideas and likening them to an “insane asylum.”
The University of Lethbridge defended its actions, stating they had reasonable grounds to believe Widdowson’s presence would cause disruptions beyond their control. The ongoing conflict between Widdowson and the university revolves around academic freedom versus campus safety and reconciliation, with a past lecture invitation sparking controversy and legal proceedings.
The judicial review of the university’s decision not to allow Widdowson to deliver a lecture in 2023 is still pending, with arguments focusing on potential harms and concerns raised by students and staff. The court has yet to make a final decision, emphasizing the delicate balance between free expression and campus safety in academic settings.