Share this Story : Vancouver Sun Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr

Douglas Todd: Avi Lewis and Naomi Klein put UBC at centre of debate over academic activism

Against opinion polls showing three in four Canadians believe political ideology should be kept out of universities, five years ago UBC hired left-wing climate activists Lewis and Klein as professors.

You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.

When the University of B.C. hired left-wing activists Avi Lewis and Naomi Klein as faculty, Canada’s second-largest post-secondary institution took a firm position on a polarizing discussion over whether academics should openly advocate for political causes.

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.

Get exclusive access to the Vancouver Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.

Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.

Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.

Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.

Get exclusive access to the Vancouver Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.

Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.

Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.

Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account.

Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.

Enjoy additional articles per month.

Get email updates from your favourite authors.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account

Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments

Enjoy additional articles per month

Get email updates from your favourite authors

Sign In or Create an Account

Against opinion polls showing three in four Canadians believe political ideology should be kept out of universities, five years ago UBC hired filmmaker Lewis — who was elected leader of the federal NDP on March 29 — and well-known climate activist Klein.

While PhDs are required for virtually anyone seeking to be a professor at UBC, Lewis has only a bachelor’s degree.

There was an error, please provide a valid email........

© Vancouver Sun