The Media Accountability Project  

Thanks for exposing the troubling double standard surrounding freedom of speech on McGill campus

"HRC frequently conflates legitimate criticism of Israel with antisemitism, attempting to silence Palestinians and their allies. Should your editorial face undue backlash, please know that CJPME stands ready to support you and defend your freedom of expression."

October 24, 2024

To:

Editorial Team, The McGill Tribune

Dear McGill Tribune editors,

I am writing on behalf of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) to express my thanks for your thoughtful editorial titled “Student protest is meant to disrupt the status quo,” published on Oct. 22, 2024. 

Your piece poignantly highlights the important role of student activism, particularly in advocating for Palestinian rights, and the troubling double standards around freedom of speech on campus when it comes to Palestine advocacy at McGill.

I want to express my full support for your editorial, particularly as you may face criticism from groups like Honest Reporting Canada (HRC), which often work to stifle voices critical of Canadian institutions that normalize Israel's apartheid regime. HRC frequently conflates legitimate criticism of Israel with antisemitism, attempting to silence Palestinians and their allies. Should your editorial face undue backlash, please know that CJPME stands ready to support you and defend your freedom of expression. 

Furthermore, I want to inform you that J-source runs the Canada Press Freedom Project, maintaining an ongoing database of press freedom violations, and tools and resources for media workers, organizations, educators and students to understand and counter those threats. Recently they’ve announced that journalists (including student journalists) who receive threats online after being targeted with a campaign by Honest Reporting Canada (HRC) should reach out for assistance. I suggest you bookmark this link as a precautionary measure. It’s important that we stand together against harassment by HRC.

Thank you again for your courageous stance on this issue. I look forward to seeing more pieces that advocate for the Palestinian solidarity movement.

Sincerely,

Anthony Issa

Media Analyst

Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East

The Media Accountability Project is an initiative of:
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