FAUW Forum Faculty Association Newsletter

February 2005

Volume 128 2004-2005 HAGEY LECTURE TO BE PRESENTED BY URSULA FRANKLIN

Ursula M. Franklin C.C., FRSC University Professor Emerita Senior Fellow

Mark your Massey College calendar! University of

Wednesday, March 2, 2005 7:30 p.m. A combined Annual General and Humanities Theatre, Hagey Hall Council of Representatives meeting will be held Wednesday, Abstract April 6, 2005 3:00 p.m. Thinking about Technology: Defining Technology as Practice In AL 105 Join us after the meeting at 4:30 People’s attitudes towards technology resemble their view of the weather: for a reception in AL 211 to clearly, one depends on the weather, has to adjust to it, and must take it honour new faculty members. into account. Climate changes are very apparent and at times threatening. Yet, there does not seem much point in thinking about the weather. The lecture will try to make the case that, as a society, we can and indeed must think about technology. Defining technology as practice – i.e. the way things are done around here – provides a useful way of thinking about technology and its social and political impact. UF Inside this issue: See Page 3 for more details and free ticket information. The Forum: Back to the 2 Future

2004-2005 Hagey 3 DO YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT CHILD CARE? Lecture The Status of Women and Equity Committee (SWEC) is inviting all Background on the 4 regular faculty and professional librarians to a consultative luncheon on Elmasry Case Thursday, March 3, in the Laurel Room, South Campus Hall, at noon.

Opinion Piece: 5 Please register by February 24 at Academic Freedom and the Elmasry Case http://www.lib.uwaterloo.ca/swec/register.html

The University’s View on 6 a Memorandum of Agreement with Staff SPECIAL INSERTS

President’s Message 8 Readership Survey Call for Nomination for FAUW Board of Directors

P AGE 2 NUMBER 128

THE FORUM: BACK TO THE FUTURE

The FAUW Forum in early 2004 As the new editor, my faculty association newsletters in reprinted a controversial set of understanding with the FAUW print or on the Internet. opinion pieces on European ethnic Board is that I will ask the editorial identity and immigration. The advisory board of the Forum to resulting flurry of letters to the review and comment on materials With the demise of the UW- editor was followed by an even scheduled for publication, but that published Gazette, The Imprint stormier debate at the Annual they will not veto my decisions on could become the only outlet General Meeting in April on the what to print. Editorial policy purpose of the Forum and its regarding the Forum’s mandate will on campus for opinion pieces editorial objectives. Responses to be developed over the coming and letters to the editor on the initial conservative op ed pieces months in consultation with the matters of concern to faculty. ranged from supportive to outraged. Association Board, the FAUW As a student-focused Some professors disputed the Forum Editorial Board and with publication, The Imprint is mandate for an FAUW newsletter to you, our readers. unlikely to welcome topics move beyond university news; some Do who disagreed with the opinions on faculty need or want a newsletter, such as proposed changes to immigration nevertheless affirmed printed or electronic? We encourage faculty benefits or promotion their appearance in the Forum under you to fill out and return the appeals. the aegis of academic freedom. enclosed survey about your views Other faculty found no place for the and objectives for a forum of faculty The controversies of the past racism they inferred from the communication. Your participation year over the Forum do not detract reprinted articles. The editor’s is crucial. With the demise of the from former editor Ed Vrscay’s supporters believed the pieces raised UW-published Gazette, The Imprint overall success in creating a lively important issues through a could become the only outlet on and informative Faculty Association conservative perspective. campus for opinion pieces and newsletter. For his dedication, letters to the editor on matters of energy, and commitment to Editorial policy regarding the concern to faculty. As a student- academic freedom, Ed deserves our focused publication, The Imprint is thanks. For the superior design and Forum’s mandate will be unlikely to welcome topics such as production of The Forum, thanks are developed over the coming proposed changes to faculty benefits also due to the FAUW’s months in consultation with the or promotion appeals. administrator, Pat Moore. If this first Association Board, the FAUW Of course, other campus venues Forum issue of 2005 marks a new Forum Editorial Board and with for faculty to express their views beginning, it is one firmly based upon their previous achievements. you, our readers. and news range from Senate to departmental meetings. Communication to and from rank- Jeanne Kay Guelke When the Faculty Association and-file professors about the impacts Geography Board of Directors and Forum editor of administrative decisions on their Editor Ed Vrscay (Applied Mathematics) workplace nevertheless remains could not subsequently agree on highly selective. The Forum may be oversight provisions for the the only opportunity on campus to newsletter’s contents, Ed submitted learn more about hot topics his resignation to the FAUW Board currently under discussion in FAUW last September. The Board accepted Board meetings. Ed’s resignation, but did not appoint a new editor until late January 2005, UW faculty, whatever their leaving a publication gap of several views on the 2004 immigration months. With this February issue, controversy, can take pride in the Faculty Association resumes sponsoring one of the most thought- publication of the Forum. provoking and professional-looking

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2004-05 Hagey Lecture

Speaker: Ursula M. Franklin Topic: Thinking about Technology: Defining technology as practice Date: Wednesday, March 2, 2005 Time: 7:30 p.m. Location: Humanities Theatre, Hagey hall

Acclaimed internationally for her pioneering work in the field of metallurgy, Dr. Ursula M. Franklin has also worked tirelessly to bring a humanitarian and feminist voice to the world of science and technology. The first woman to be granted the title of “University Professor” at the University of Toronto, U of T’s highest honour, she continues to be actively involved in humanitarian, feminist, and environmental activities, such as encouraging young women in science, working for peace and justice, and disseminating her thoughts on the social and environmental impact of science and technology. Her pioneering work in the development of archaeometry, which employs techniques used in materials analysis to archaeology, was also applied to study the effects of nuclear weapons testing on the strothium-90 accumulation in the teeth of children in Canada. It was responsible for the US government’s discussions about stopping nuclear weapons testing in the atmosphere. Amongst numerous honours and distinctions, Prof. Franklin has been awarded the Pearson Peace Medal and honorary doctorates from several Canadian universities. In 1992 she was made a Companion of the Order of Canada. Prof. Franklin also held UW’s first TD/Canada Trust Walter Bean Professorship in the Environment. A student colloquium will take place on Thursday, March 3 at 10:30 a.m. in DC 1302. The colloquium allows students from all faculties and disciplines to engage in a question-and-answer session with Professor Franklin in a more intimate setting than the Hagey Lecture is able to provide. Following a brief introductory talk, Professor Franklin will respond to a series of “prepared” questions from students in Systems Engineering, Environmental Science, Peace and Conflict Studies and Women Studies, after which questions from the floor will be entertained. The colloquium will be followed by a reception to which all participants are welcome. The Hagey Lectures, sponsored jointly by the Faculty Association and the University, are the premier invitational public lectures at the University of Waterloo which bring individuals who have distinguished themselves internationally in some area of scholarly or creative endeavour to our community. Previous lecturers have included Nobel Laureates in various disciplines, internationally renowned scholars, architects, peace activists, and well-known artists. Last year’s Hagey lecturer was Canadian filmmaker Atom Egoyan.

Free tickets for the lecture are available from: • the Humanities Theatre Box Office, x4908 • the Faculty Association Office, MC 4002, x3787 • Hagey Committee members: o Gerd Hauck, Drama and Speech Communication, x2169 o Aftab Patla, Kinesiology, x3535 o Hamid Tizhoosh, Systems Design Engineering, x6751 o Robert Gibson, Environment and Resource Studies, x3407 o Wayne Oldford, Statistics and Actuarial Science, x3037 o Jake Sivak, Optometry, x3174 o Conrad Hewitt, St. Jerome’s University, 884-8111, x228

P AGE 4 NUMBER 128

BACKGROUND ON THE ELMASRY CASE

From the October 25, 2004 University November 17, 2004, from the Director, have taken into account the contents of of Waterloo Daily Bulletin Communications and Public Affairs, the apology and retraction and your long University of Waterloo years of distinguished service as a faculty UW statement calls words 'abhorrent' member at this University as well as your Report on the University of Waterloo The university has issued a brief official assurance that there will be no repetition investigation into Professor Elmasry’s of any such statements in the future. statement following controversial remarks remarks on television last week by a Having regard to all these circum- prominent UW faculty member. WATERLOO, Ont. – University of Wa- stances, I have reached the conclusion terloo President David Johnston today that the apology and retraction should be Mohamed Elmasry of the electrical released the following press release re- and computer engineering department is accepted and that no formal discipline garding recent statements attributed to will be imposed. also president of the Canadian Islamic Professor Mohamed Elmasry: Congress, and last Tuesday was a guest Yours sincerely, D. George Dixon, Dean on "The Show", a According to Article 8 of the Memoran- of Science syndicated TV program from Toronto, dum of Agreement between the Faculty talking about "Who is a terrorist?" He is Association of the University of Water- Dr. Elmasry’s statement: loo and the University (Article 8.8 “The reported to have said that Palestinian Dear Dean Dixon: attacks on Israeli civilians are justified. member’s Dean shall promptly investi- Stories followed on Saturday in the gate any concerns or allegations about a I would like to elaborate on my earlier Globe and Mail, the , the member if the Dean reasonably believes public apology of October 27, 2004 re- Star and other media. that a situation warranting disciplinary garding my remarks on the Michael measures may exists.”). Dean George Coren Show. As you know, I made state- Said the UW statement, issued Dixon conducted this investigation and ments during the course of a television yesterday: "The University of Waterloo has completed the following report. program on Oct. 19, 2004 to the effect is a pluralistic, publicly supported Text of Dr. Dixon’s report: that the targeting of Israeli civilians was university that is an inclusive, tolerant an acceptable course of action. community. David Johnston, President Dear Professor Elmasry: of the University of Waterloo, stated These public statements were totally today that he concludes the statement As you know, I was asked by the Presi- unacceptable. They have understandably attributed to Prof. Elmasry is abhorrent dent of the University of Waterloo, Pro- offended members of Canada's Muslim, and conflicts with the University's fessor David Johnston, to investigate Jewish, Palestinian and Arab communi- ties and Canadians at large. They have values. The University expects that the concerns and allegations with respect to recent statements attributed to you. also offended members of the University important principle of freedom of of Waterloo community. speech will be responsibly exercised by I reviewed the statements which you members of its community." made on the Michael Coren Show with I offer my unconditional apology to particular reference to your statements to all these communities for the statements I At the same time, the CIC issued a the effect that the targeting of Israeli made and for the distress they have statement calling Elmasry's comments civilians was an acceptable course of caused. "regrettable". "Dr. Elmasry did not, does action. not, and will not condone the widely- I categorically retract the statements I held Palestinian view that any form of These statements are in my view made on the Michael Coren Show with armed resistance against civilians that entirely unacceptable and inconsistent respect to the targeting of civilians. includes suicide bombing constitutes a with the values of inclusiveness and tol- The statements were an aberration. It legitimate military operation against the erance for which the University of Water- has always been a core belief of mine that Israeli occupation, and not a terrorist loo stands. killing civilians – any civilians for any activity." During the course of the investiga- cause, is an immoral act. tion, I met with you and with Professor The CIC statement adds that I recognize that the University of Elmasry "was presenting not his own Len Guelke. You indicated at that time that you wanted to provide a full apology Waterloo is an inclusive, tolerant com- views – but those of a significant munity and that statements of that kind segment of Palestinians under with respect to the statements you had made. are abhorrent and in conflict with the occupation. 'I sincerely regret that my values for which the University stands. comments were misunderstood and, as a I have now reviewed the full apology result, caused offense,' he said." and retraction which you have provided As a faculty member at this Univer- to me, and understand that you are agree- sity for many years, I can provide you able to them being placed in the public with an assurance that there will be no realm. repetition in the future of any such state- ments by me. Although the statements made are indeed abhorrent and unacceptable, I Yours sincerely, Mohamed Elmasry

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ANALYSIS: ACADEMIC FREEDOM AND THE ELMASRY AFFAIR by Len Guelke Geography Member of the FAUW Academic Freedom and Tenure Committee

Dr. Mohamed Elmasry, professor in Such a statement would have especially, in cases where one might UW’s Faculty of Engineering for the reflected reality a little more disagree with an individual’s ideas, last 30 years and President of the accurately, providing support for the because the whole notion of free- Canadian Islamic Congress, individual’s freedom of expression dom becomes meaningless if the appeared on the Michael Coren at the same time that the president limits of acceptable speech are television show on October 19, distanced the university from a defined in terms of not offending the 2004. In the aftermath of Dr. member’s controversial comments. collective or any group or individual Elmasry’s controversial unqualified No further action was needed. Dr. comprising it. answer to one question regarding Elmasry’s comments – even if he targeting of Israeli civilians by had stood by them and not retracted Let us be tolerant of our colleagues Palestinians, President David and apologized for them – were not and supportive of their right to speak Johnston set in motion an investiga- in need of a decanal investigation. It freely. Where they offend, let us tion of Dr. Elmasry by Dr. George is worth noting that Article 8 counter their “bad” ideas with Dixon, Dean of Science requires a professor’s Faculty dean “good” ideas and sound arguments. (substituting for Dr. Elmasry’s own to investigate only where the dean And finally, let us encourage our Dean of Engineering) under Article contemplates a serious “just cause.” president to be more like Voltaire 8 of the UW Faculty Memorandum Section 8.6 of the Memorandum of when he said: “I disapprove of what of Agreement. Article 8 covers in Agreement sets out cause for you say, but I will defend to the some detail disciplinary measures dismissal as including: a serious death your right to say it.” I recog- against faculty, including dismissal breach of criminal law; violent nize that the president has a duty to for cause. President Johnston’s behaviour or threats of violence promote a positive public image for statement is printed above. In my against a member of the university the university, but in that same opinion, these actions against Dr. community; a serious breach of capacity he also needs to affirm the Elmasry were not justified and ethics with respect of scholarship, rights of individual faculty. Senior have compromised the academic teaching or collegiality. The section administrators have a duty to freedom of all UW’s faculty continues: “Any of the above must support freedom of expression by members. A more helpful statement be of such a serious nature as to making it clear that unpopular, or on the Elmasry affair might have render the member clearly unfit to even outrageous, comments that do read as follows: continue to hold a tenured appoint- not infringe upon Canadian law ment at the University of Waterloo.” cannot become grounds for disci- Dr. Elmasry is a respected and pline and dismissal. valued member of the UW There is no way that Dr. Elmasry’s community, with a distinguished For more information on Professor comments, however upsetting or record of research and teaching. Elmasry and links to additional on- offensive one might consider them, President Johnston expresses line sources, go to the University of came close to reaching the threshold puzzlement and disappointment Waterloo Communications and of Article 8 of the M of A. The at the remarks attributed to him Public Affairs website at decision to have a decanal investi- on the Michael Coren show. http://www.communications.uwaterloo.ca gation of Dr. Elmasry creates a These remarks, President and search Elmasry. chilly climate for freedom of Johnston noted, are not in keep- expression because it established ing with Dr. Elmasry’s published an extremely broad interpretation views condemning terrorism, of what constitutes grounds for and promoting religious toler- investigating a UW faculty mem- ance, social justice and peace ber. It seems to me that academic with justice. freedom must be affirmed even, or

P AGE 6 NUMBER 128

The following article appeared in the January 2005 issue of the Staff Association newsletter and is reprinted with the permission of the Staff Association and the author, Dr. Amit Chakma, Vice-President, Academic and Provost. The Memorandum of Agreement between the Faculty Association and the University of Waterloo, ratified by faculty and approved by the Board of Governors in 1998, is posted on the FAUW website: www.uwfacass.uwaterloo.ca

At the Open Meetings in October, we told you that over the past eight years, the SA Executive Committee has tried a number of times to establish a memorandum of agreement with the university. We asked Dr. Chakma to provide us with an explanation, on behalf of the university, as to why an agreement has not been accepted. The following is his response:

The University’s View on a Memorandum of Agreement with Staff

“At the November meeting, I was asked to document, for dissemination to the staff community, the University's reasons for not wanting a memorandum of agreement between the University and the UW Staff Association.

The Working Relationship document that was created by the administration and the Staff Association is a strong and viable statement of how the University and the Staff Association work together for the benefit of staff. The policies, procedures and processes in place, as reflected in the Working Relationship document, meet the needs of and provide an appropriate level of flexibility to both staff and the University. It may be that staff need a better understanding of the systems in place, how they work and, how well they work. For example, the Staff Relations Committee has the Vice-President, Academic & Provost, the Associate Provost, Academic & Student Affairs, the Associate Provost, Human Resources & Student Services and two Faculty Deans as members; the Staff Compensation Committee membership includes the Vice-President, Administration & Finance, the Associate Provost, Academic & Student Affairs and the Associate Provost, Human Resources & Student Services. This commitment of senior administrators to the work-life issues of staff is a measure of our belief that collegiality and consensus are the best ways to solve issues and challenges and our readiness to spend the time necessary to ensure a good workplace.

Most importantly, it is paramount that the collegial relationship now enjoyed between the University and the staff be upheld. Our current staff relations environment, including the way in which we approach problems and implement improvements, reflects a flexible, considered and collaborative approach. For that reason, a memorandum of agreement, which we believe may have the potential to diminish our collegial relationship, is not an avenue we are prepared to pursue."

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FORUM EDITORIAL BOARD Jeanne Kay Guelke, Geography, Editor Paul Fieguth, Systems Design Engineering COUNCIL OF REPRESENTATIVES Len Guelke, Geography

Paul Malone, Germanic & Slavic Studies Accountancy ...... Carla Carnaghan Anthropology...... Harriet Lyons Catherine Schryer, English Language & Literature Applied Mathematics...... Kevin Lamb Edward Vrscay, Applied Mathematics Architecture...... (vacancy) Pat Moore, Faculty Association Office, production Biology...... Marilyn Griffith Chemical Engineering...... Bill Anderson Roydon Fraser, Mechanical Engineering, ex officio Chemistry ...... Guy Guillemette Civil Engineering...... Eric Soulis Classical Studies ...... (vacancy) Combinatorics & Optimization...... Bruce Richmond Computer Science ...... Mechelle Gittens Drama & Speech Communication ...... Andy Houston The Forum mission statement was reviewed Earth Sciences...... Eric Reardon and reaffirmed by the FAUW Board of Economics ...... (vacancy) Directors on September 9, 2004. Electrical & Computer Engineering...... Jim Barby

English Language & Literature...... Kate Lawson Environment & Resource Studies .....Greg Michalenko FAUW FORUM Fine Arts ...... Robert Linsley French Studies...... Robert Ryan The FAUW Forum is a service for UW Geography...... Peter Deadman faculty sponsored by the Association. It Germanic & Slavic Studies...... Paul Malone seeks to promote the exchange of ideas, foster open debate on issues, publish a Health Studies & Gerontology...... Linda Jessup History ...... (vacancy) wide and balanced spectrum of views, and Kinesiology ...... Stephen Prentice inform members about current Association Management Sciences...... (vacancy) matters. Opinions expressed in the Forum Mechanical Engineering...... Roydon Fraser are those of the authors, and ought not to Optometry...... vacancy be perceived as representing the views of Philosophy ...... David DeVidi the Association, its Board of Directors, or of Physics ...... Melanie Campbell the Editorial Board of the Forum, unless so Planning...... Mark Seasons specified. Members are invited to submit letters, news items and brief articles. Political Science...... Colin Farrelly Psychology ...... John Michela If you do not wish to receive the Forum, Pure Mathematics...... (vacancy) please contact the Faculty Association Recreation & Leisure Studies...... Paul Eagles Office and your name will be removed from Sociology ...... (vacancy) Spanish & Latin American Studies ...... Maria Sillato Statistics & Actuarial Science...... Jerry Lawless Systems Design Engineering ...... Paul Fieguth St. Jerome’s University ...... Danine Farquharson Library...... Jane Forgay FAUW Office

If there is a vacancy in your department or school and Pat Moore, Administrator you would be interested in serving as a representative, Room 4002, Mathematics & Computer Building please contact Pat Moore (x3787) or Roydon Fraser Phone: 888-4567, ext. 3787 (x4764). Fax: 888-4307

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: http://www.uwfacass.uwaterloo.ca

P AGE 8 NUMBER 128

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

to discuss child care concerns and ents, and on the surface the univer- possible solutions with faculty and sity readily agreed. It seemed that professional librarians. You are we had the fastest agreement to a encouraged to register by Thurs- change in policy ever. Unfortu- day, February 24 at nately, upon closer review, it was http://www.lib.uwaterloo.ca/swec/ realized that there were difficulties register.html for the luncheon if with the proposed changes. This child care is a current or potential reality check means that we must future issue for you. pursue the longer, more usual, path to possible changes. Roydon Fraser Spousal Hiring and Exceptional Mechanical Engineering Candidates: The FAUW has been Mandatory Retirement: An issue working with the administration to the FAUW will be pursuing with make its spousal hiring procedures the university in more detail is that The FAUW depends on its volun- more transparent. To this end, the of mandatory retirement. With the teers. I therefore would like to FAUW has been negotiating provincial government’s commit- thank all those who have volun- changes to Policy 76 to explicitly ment to the removal of mandatory teered their time on our various include spousal hiring procedures retirement at age 65, the FAUW committees and with our various that previously existed as guide- believes that it would be prudent activities in 2004. I would also lines. It is hoped that you will see to have some guiding principles in like to encourage anyone who is these changes to Policy 76 soon. place before the details of any interested in representing the Also in the spirit of transparency, legislative changes are known. It is interests of faculty and enhancing the FAUW has been working hoped that such pre-consideration the University of Waterloo towards more transparency in the of the mandatory retirement issue community experience to consider hiring of exceptional, uniquely will minimize the chance that we running for the FAUW Board of qualified, internationally recog- are forced to rush into policy Directors. The call for nominations nized candidates where normal changes that may include unin- for the Board of Directors is hiring procedures may be by- tended consequences. included in this newsletter; the passed. For simplicity, think of deadline for submission is how the university would hire a Workload: In closing, I would like Monday, March 7. If you are Nobel Laureate or Field Medalist to say that I continue to see work- interested in serving on one of our where the window of opportunity load as a serious issue for many committees or helping out in some is small. The procedure will now faculty. Workload issues range other way, please contact me or be explicit in Policy 76 with a from the increasing expectation our Administrator, Pat Moore, at report to Senate for transparency. that faculty perform more and the FAUW office. The FAUW more of their own support ser- Annual General Meeting will be Parental Leave: At the Fall vices, to larger class sizes, to held April 6. General Meeting I mentioned that faculty engaging in time- we were close to an agreement consuming duties for which there Child care: Several faculty mem- with the university regarding is little to no credit given at annual bers have expressed concern to the changes to the parental leave review time. If you have a work- FAUW with regards to various policy (Policy 14). Unfortunately, load issue, I would like to hear child care issues, from difficulties I must report that this is no longer from you so that the FAUW can in locating convenient daycare the case. A review of our current gauge the extent of faculty work- facilities to balancing career and parental leave policy reveals a load issues across campus. family. The FAUW is interested in parental leave inequity between your views on the issues related to birth parents and adoptive parents. child care. On Thursday, March 3rd It was hoped that we could SWEC will be holding a luncheon improve the benefits for birth par-