Conservative Member of Parliament Garnett Genuis has accused a student group at York University of restricting free speech by denying his request to host an event on campus. However, the university’s student center has clarified that the decision was not politically motivated.
Genuis took to social media to express his disappointment after learning that his event at the Toronto campus was canceled by the York University Student Centre. While the reasons for the cancellation were not specified, Genuis described it as an infringement on free speech.
The president of the York Federation of Students, Somar Abuaziza, stated that her group does not have the authority to approve or cancel events and was unaware of Genuis’s planned event until contacted by the media. Genuis later clarified that the event was denied by the student center due to its format.
Genuis has been engaging with students at various university campuses to discuss issues such as youth unemployment and affordability. He emphasized the importance of gathering information to inform his party’s youth jobs plan.
During his campus visits, Genuis sets up tables in public areas to interact with students, prompting discussions on generational well-being. He mentioned that the student center at York University refused to allow a guest speaker at the table, insisting that such conversations must take place in closed spaces.
The executive director of the student center, Jason Goulart, explained that the event was not approved due to booking policies and lack of detailed information about the program. Goulart assured that the organizers could reapply for the event at any time.
In response to questions about potential political bias in the decision, Genuis expressed concerns about fair treatment across different political perspectives. Despite the event’s cancellation, Genuis received significant online attention, with many urging legal action or defunding of York University.
York University clarified that they were unaware of Genuis’s event before his social media post and reiterated their commitment to free expression and hosting diverse political voices on campus. Genuis expressed a desire to engage with students at York University in the future.