# Frances Widdowson sues Lethbridge university for $3m defamation

> Frances Widdowson claims Lethbridge University defamed her with $3m defamation lawsuit.
- Title: Frances Widdowson sues Lethbridge university for $3m…
- Summary: Frances Widdowson claims Lethbridge University defamed her with $3m defamation lawsuit. Frances Widdowson sued Lethbridge University for $3 million in…
- Keywords: frances widdowson, lethbridge university, defamation claim, university of lethbridge, george jonas freedom award, academic provocateur, sacred smudging ceremony, institutional power, free speech, bulwarks against authoritarianism, news, politics
- Source: Nationalpost — https://nationalpost.com/opinion/michael-higgins-frances-widdowson-sues-lethbridge-university-for-3m-in-defamation-claim
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: frances widdowson, lethbridge university, defamation claim, university of lethbridge, george jonas freedom award, academic provocateur, sacred smudging ceremony, institutional power, free speech, bulwarks against authoritarianism, news, politics
## Frances Widdowson sues Lethbridge university
Frances Widdowson, professor and academic provocateur, sued Lethbridge University for $3 million in defamation claims.
## University accused of spreading prejudice
Widdowson claims the university accused her of spreading prejudice, hate, disinformation and lies.
## Sacred smudging ceremony notice
The university sent a notice that it would hold a sacred smudging ceremony to dissipate negative atmosphere from Widdowson.
## University's defamatory characterization
The university characterized Widdowson as a source of negativity and communal spiritual contamination requiring a formal cleansing ceremony.
## Widdowson on institutional power
Widdowson said the university used institutional power to intimidate people and stop discussions on important issues.
## University as bulwark against authoritarianism
Widdowson believes universities should be bulwarks against authoritarianism, not institutions clamping down on free speech.
## Key takeaway

Frances Widdowson sued Lethbridge University for $3 million in defamation after accusing the institution of spreading prejudice and hate.