Former Mount Royal University professor Frances Widdowson is suing the University of Lethbridge and several people in leadership positions for $3 million, alleging defamation. The lawsuit follows the cancellation of a group discussion on residential schools and whether they were genocidal, after students gathered and prevented Widdowson from speaking.

A University of Lethbridge professor had invited Widdowson to take part in the discussion. Thirty minutes before it was scheduled, the university emailed that she would be on campus and described her as controversial. A large group of students then gathered, and the talk did not proceed.

Widdowson said the lawsuit is intended to make the university and faculty members present their case. “The university and these faculty members will not make their arguments. They will never present their arguments. They just make these accusations,” she said. “And so this lawsuit will force them to do that. And it will also punish the University of Lethbridge and the University of Lethbridge’s faculty association for the terrible silencing that they’re engaged in.”

She said she plans to keep trying to appear at the University of Lethbridge and other universities. The university said it is aware of the lawsuit and will file a statement of defence.

Based on reporting by CTV News Calgary.