University of British Columbia Professors Sue School Over Political Correctness

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by Pranav Baskar and Alana Paterson

February 19, 2026

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A group of professors at the University of British Columbia (UBC) has filed a lawsuit against the university, arguing that its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies promote political bias and violate a provincial law mandating nonpartisanship in public institutions. The professors claim that practices such as land acknowledgments, requiring job applicants to support decolonization efforts, and teaching from an Indigenous perspective constitute political activism, infringing on academic freedom and free speech. The lawsuit challenges various DEI initiatives at UBC, including mandatory diversity pledges for faculty and staff, video statements urging meetings to begin with settler identity affirmations, and the use of land acknowledgments during events. These practices are viewed by the plaintiffs as evidence of a progressive political agenda, which they argue undermines academic neutrality and suppresses dissenting views. The suit asserts that such measures create a campus culture where contrarian ideas are marginalized, forcing academics to conform to specific ideological positions. The university counters that these initiatives are designed to respect Indigenous peoples and promote inclusivity, aligning with UBC's commitment to truth and reconciliation in higher education. It argues that DEI efforts are essential for fostering an equitable academic environment and do not constitute political activity. The case is currently under review by the Supreme Court of British Columbia, with both sides accusing each

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/19/2026