In early September, Professor Janine Benedet was appointed Dean pro tem at the Peter A. Allard School of Law. Since then, some students and members of the legal community have voiced concerns over the appointment.
The concerns are related to some of Professor Benedet’s scholarly and pro bono legal work and in particular one of the organizations she has represented in her capacity as legal counsel.
There is an important distinction that needs to be made between Professor Benedet’s scholarly work, her role as legal counsel and her administrative role at the university. As outlined below Professor Benedet has had a distinguished scholarly career. She is also a member of the British Columbia bar and a practicing lawyer and in that capacity has acted on behalf of numerous clients on a pro bono basis including as counsel in several landmark litigation cases. In this capacity she is not acting on behalf of UBC, but obviously this activity complements her work at UBC as a legal scholar and professor. Finally, at my request, she has accepted the administrative and academic role as the Dean pro tem of the Peter A. Allard Faculty of Law.
As a scholar, Professor Benedet has the right to conduct research and describe the findings of her research both in scholarly writing and in her classroom. When conducting research on difficult societal issues it is inevitable that some people may disagree with her findings. The debate of ideas, including disagreement, is part of the scholarly process, however it should not lead to or call for censure or loss of an administrative position. UBC fully supports Professor Benedet’s academic freedom which includes the right to research, publish, teach and discuss her areas of scholarly interest including on subjects that are controversial or contested.
By representing her clients as legal counsel, Professor Benedet does not take personal responsibility for the activities or positions of her clients. No practicing lawyer could. The proper functioning of our legal system depends on the right to legal representation, and personal attacks on legal counsel based on who they represent fundamentally threatens access to justice and the proper functioning of our legal system.
As Dean pro tem, Professor Benedet is committed to ensuring all students at Allard Law are supported. As outlined below she has demonstrated this commitment to students throughout her academic career.
Professor Benedet, an alumna of the law school, joined the Faculty as Associate Professor in 2005. Since then she has made significant contributions to the law school and is widely respected for her dedication to students and the broader Allard Law community.
Her role as a teacher has been recognized numerous times, with the George Curtis Memorial award For Teaching Excellence and the Killam Teaching Prize, both given on behalf of students. Most recently, she was recognized by the Canadian Association of Law Teachers for her teaching and research.
Professor Benedet has served the Faculty in many capacities over the years. One of her most significant contributions have been in the area of experiential learning where she played an integral role in the development of the Rise Women’s Legal Centre, in conjunction with West Coast LEAF.
All of these achievements and contributions have helped to advance the teaching and learning at the Allard School of Law and we are grateful to have someone like Professor Benedet serve in this leadership role as we begin the search for a full-time Dean.
Professor Benedet is dedicated to ensuring that all students, faculty and staff at the Allard School of Law are supported and respected. She is committed to creating the best possible environment for working and learning, where respect, civility, diversity, opportunity and inclusion are valued.
Professor Janine Benedet serves in her important role as Dean pro tem of the Peter A. Allard School of Law with my full confidence.
Professor Andrew J. Szeri
Provost and Vice-President, Academic
October 28, 2020