Prof. Hans Michael Heinig (Göttingen), “Free speech on/off campus: academic freedom and freedom of expression in comparison between Canada, Germany and the USA”

This event is part of the Osgoode Speaker Series.

Academic freedom and freedom of expression are under considerable pressure. This can be seen in the way pro-Palestinian protests are dealt with on campus, but also in the massive interventions in the academic system by the new US government.

Two fundamental interpretations of the relationship between academic freedom and freedom of expression compete: Some see academic freedom as a subset of freedom of expression. This is particularly manifested in the protection of extramural speech. Others tend to emphasize the differences: Academic freedom is an aliud. Hans Michael Heinig analyzes both interpretations, comparing the legal systems of Germany, Canada and the USA. He argues strongly in favor of the separation model. He believes that this is the best way to achieve reasonable results in the struggle for free speech on campus and the defense against state infringement.

Prof. Dr. Hans-Michael Heinig holds the chair for public law, especially canon law and state church law. From 2015 to 2020 he was head of the ethics committee at Georg-August University Göttingen, dean of the law faculty at Georg-August University Göttingen from 2022 to 2024 and has been vice president of the Volkswagen Foundation since 2022.

This year, Prof. Heinig is visiting Osgoode as a research scholar.