Allegations arose last week that the university’s academic integrity was being compromised by its relationship with Enbridge.
Three years ago the Calgary-based company made a $2.2-million donation to the university’s Haskayne School of Business. It helped create the Enbridge Centre for Corporate Sustainability.
That left several professors asking questions about corporate influence at the university and ignited calls for a public inquiry. Those calls were answered Friday, when the U of C’s Board of Governors announced the launch of an independent review.
Mark Starratt, a member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Governors, said “we believe that academic freedom is a fundamental value of all universities. We’ve been listening and are taking action.”
On Monday, the university’s Students’ Union applauded the move.
“Students deserve answers to these questions. This situation is troubling and all students are hoping that we can quickly get to the bottom of this issue,” said president Levi Nilson.
READ MORE: Academic Freedom at University of Calgary questioned over Enbridge involvement
“Academic freedom is the cornerstone on which research and teaching rest. Academics examine issues or problems from multiple perspectives – and the results may not present certain donors in a favourable light,” said Faculty Association president Dr. Sandra Hoenle.
The Faculty Association and the SU provided a laundry list of inquiries they wish to be to be independently reviewed. Those questions include examining U of C president Elizabeth Cannon’s involvement in decisions with Enbridge and the Centre of Corporate Sustainability, possible oversight of corporate gifts, and any conflict with corporate naming and sponsorship.
U of C president Elizabeth Cannon was a director of Enbridge Income Fund Holdings, but stepped down last week in response to mounting concerns.
Enbridge denied allegations it attempted to influence the centre’s operations.
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