1 PURPOSE

a. The Purpose of the Institutional Neutrality Policy (“Policy”) is to establish a foundational framework for CCNM’s commitment to fostering an environment conducive to open discourse, diversity, and respect for independent viewpoints of the CCNM Community.

b. CCNM hereby adopts a steadfast commitment to upholding principles of academic freedom in line with CCNM’s Freedom of Expression Policy. This commitment is coupled with a responsibility to ensure that such expressions align with CCNM’s Code of Conduct and Inclusive Language Policy and do not infringe on the rights and dignity of others, including in accordance with the Discrimination Policy.

2 SCOPE

a. The Policy applies to all behaviours, activities, and expressions made by those representing the Institutional Stance on behalf of CCNM.

b. This Policy also governs the manner in which CCNM, as an institution, engages with political, social, and cultural issues.

c. This Policy does not apply to members of the CCNM Community making Personal Statements, or any behaviours, activities, and expressions, taken outside of their institutional duties.

d. This Policy does not apply to academic expression, academic inquiry, and academic discourse within CCNM’s operations and activities, which are covered under the Freedom of Expression Policy.

3 DEFINITIONS

a. “Academic Expression” means the communication of ideas, findings, or perspectives through teaching, research, discussion, or publication, within the scope of scholarly activities and academic discourse, free from censorship or undue restriction, in pursuit of knowledge and understanding.

b. “CCNM Community” means all students, faculty, staff, contractors, volunteers, patients, and visitors (including guest speakers).

c. “Institutional Stance” means the communication of ideas, findings, or perspectives of CCNM as an institution, represented through its policies, public statements, or authorized communications, on matters of social, political, or academic relevance.

d. “Personal Statements” means expressions or declarations made by individuals, reflecting their own views, opinions, or beliefs, without implying endorsement or representation of CCNM’s official stance.

4 RESPONSIBLE PARTIES

a. All members of the CCNM Community shall:

• ensure that any Personal Statements, opinions, or viewpoints expressed are clearly identified as their own and not representative of the Institutional Stance;
• direct any requests for the Institutional Stance, or any other inquiries from the media or external parties to CCNM’s Marketing & Communications department;
• engage in discourse and expression in a manner that respects the rights and dignity of other in accordance with CCNM’s Code of Conduct and Discrimination Policy, as well as all applicable law;
• ensure that the language used is in accordance with CCNM’s Inclusive Language Policy; and
• actively contribute to a culture of mutual respect and understanding within the CCNM Community.

5. PRINCIPLES

a. CCNM remains committed to valuing diversity of beliefs and opinions within the CCNM Community, promoting an environment that encourages respectful discourse as a fundamental principle of its educational mandate.

b. CCNM remains impartial on matters of a political, social, or ideological nature, and shall not engage in advocacy for specific political parties, candidates, or causes, other than those consistent with CCNM’s mandate.

c. CCNM remains committed to upholding institutional neutrality which shall not be influenced by the personal beliefs and opinions of the CCNM Community, to preserve an environment where the free exchange of ideas can thrive.

Last updated: March 18, 2026