By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
The Syndicat du personnel enseignant du Cégep de Sherbrooke (SPECS-CSN) has unanimously called for the resignation of Quebec’s Minister of Higher Education, Pascale Déry, following what the union describes as a politically motivated intrusion into academic freedom.
During a general assembly held earlier this week, union members expressed outrage over Déry’s recent intervention in two Montreal-area English-language colleges, Dawson and Vanier. The minister reportedly requested an evaluation of courses addressing the Palestinian question—raising concerns over their content and the qualifications of those teaching them.
“This is not a pedagogical question. It’s a political one, and it’s an unacceptable attempt to censor certain courses,” said SPECS-CSN president Mathieu Poulin-Lamarre in a March 28 interview. “Teachers are professionals who know how to present complex topics in ways that foster understanding and dialogue. To suggest otherwise is deeply disrespectful.”
The union emphasized that Déry’s request mirrored demands made by the Centre consultatif des relations juives et israéliennes (CIJA), a lobby group on whose board the minister served for six years. “It’s a line that should never have been crossed,” added Michèle Le Risbé, vice-president for pedagogical affairs at SPECS-CSN, in a related press release.
Poulin-Lamarre said the minister’s stated concern—that such courses could aggravate tensions on campus—is misguided. “If anything, teaching this content can help reduce tension by promoting shared understanding. Knowledge should not be limited; it should be more accessible to support peaceful campus life.”
