You do not have permission to edit this page, for the following reasons:

This IP address has been blocked from editing Wikipedia.
This does not affect your ability to read Wikipedia pages.
Most people who see this message have done nothing wrong. Some kinds of blocks restrict editing from specific service providers or telecom companies in response to recent abuse or vandalism, and can sometimes affect other users who are unrelated to that abuse. Review the information below for assistance if you do not believe that you have done anything wrong.

The IP address or range 44.200.0.0/16 has been blocked (disabled) by ‪Blablubbs‬ for the following reason(s):

The IP address that you are currently using has been blocked because it is believed to be a web host provider or colocation provider. To prevent abuse, web hosts and colocation providers may be blocked from editing Wikipedia.
You will not be able to edit Wikipedia using a web host or colocation provider because it hides your IP address, much like a proxy or VPN.
We recommend that you attempt to use another connection to edit. For example, if you use a proxy or VPN to connect to the internet, turn it off when editing Wikipedia. If you edit using a mobile connection, try using a Wi-Fi connection, and vice versa. If you are using a corporate internet connection, switch to a different Wi-Fi network. If you have a Wikipedia account, please log in.
If you do not have any other way to edit Wikipedia, you will need to request an IP block exemption.

How to appeal if you are confident that your connection does not use a colocation provider's IP address:
If you are confident that you are not using a web host, you may appeal this block by adding the following text on your talk page: ((unblock|reason=Caught by a colocation web host block but this host or IP is not a web host. My IP address is _______. Place any further information here. ~~~~)). You must fill in the blank with your IP address for this block to be investigated. Your IP address can be determined here. Alternatively, if you wish to keep your IP address private you can use the unblock ticket request system. There are several reasons you might be editing using the IP address of a web host or colocation provider (such as if you are using VPN software or a business network); please use this method of appeal only if you think your IP address is in fact not a web host or colocation provider.

Administrators: The IP block exemption user right should only be applied to allow users to edit using web host in exceptional circumstances, and requests should usually be directed to the functionaries team via email. If you intend to give the IPBE user right, a CheckUser needs to take a look at the account. This can be requested most easily at SPI Quick Checkuser Requests. Unblocking an IP or IP range with this template is highly discouraged without at least contacting the blocking administrator.

This block will expire on 16:45, 10 February 2025.

Even when blocked, you will usually still be able to edit your user talk page, as well as email administrators and other editors.

For information on how to proceed, please read the FAQ for blocked users and the guideline on block appeals. The guide to appealing blocks may also be helpful.

Other useful links: Blocking policy · Help:I have been blocked
Your IP address is in a range that has been blocked on all Wikimedia Foundation wikis. The block was made by ‪AntiCompositeNumber‬. The reason given is Open proxy/Webhost: Visit the FAQ if you are affected .
- Start of block: 13:55, 18 August 2022
- Expiry of block: 13:55, 18 March 2025
Your current IP address is 44.200.254.7. The blocked range is 44.200.0.0/16. Please include all above details in any queries you make. If you believe you were blocked by mistake, you can find additional information and instructions in the No open proxies global policy. Otherwise, to discuss the block please post a request for review on Meta-Wiki. You could also send an email to the stewards VRT queue at stewards@wikimedia.org including all above details.

You can view and copy the source of this page:

((Short description|Canadian physics teacher))
((Multiple issues|
((POV|date=August 2015))
((overly detailed|date=August 2015))
))
((Infobox person
|name = Denis Rancourt
|image = Denis_Rancourt.JPG
|image_size = 250px
|caption = Rancourt in his office at the [[University of Ottawa]] in 2004
|birth_date = ((Birth date and age|1957|3|23))<br/> [[North Bay, Ontario|North Bay]], Ontario
|education = [[Bachelor's Degree]] from [[University of Ottawa]] (1980), [[Master's Degree]] from [[University of Toronto]] (1981), [[Doctor of Philosophy|Ph.D]] from [[University of Toronto]] (1984)
))

'''Denis Rancourt''' is a former professor of [[physics]] at the [[University of Ottawa]]. Rancourt is widely known for his confrontations with his former employer, the University of Ottawa, over issues involving his [[grade inflation]] and "academic squatting", the act of arbitrarily changing the topic of a course without departmental permission.<ref name = "globe 02-06-09">((cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090206.wprof06/BNStory/National/?page=rss&id=RTGAM.20090206.wprof06|title=Professor makes his mark, but it costs him his job|last=Anderssen|first=Erin|date=2009-02-06|newspaper=Globe and Mail|accessdate=2009-02-07|archive-date=2009-04-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090422181013/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090206.wprof06/BNStory/National/?page=rss&id=RTGAM.20090206.wprof06|url-status=dead))</ref><ref name="Fish">((cite news|url=http://fish.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/08/the-two-languages-of-academic-freedom/|title=The Two Languages of Academic Freedom|last=Fish|first=Stanley|date=2009-02-08|newspaper=New York Times|accessdate=2009-02-11))</ref>

== Early career==
Rancourt obtained his batchelors degree in 1980 and subsequently his masters degree in 1981 in physics from the [[University of Toronto]]. He later obtained a PhD from the University of Toronto also in physics in 1984. He subsequently held several postdoctoral positions before obtaining a permanent position at the [[University of Ottawa]] which he held for over 20 years, where he eventually obtained the rank of full professor.<ref>((Cite web |title=CV - Denis Rancourt |url=https://denisrancourt.ca/page.php?id=3&name=cv |access-date=2024-03-21 |website=denisrancourt.ca))</ref>
==University conflict==
His conflicts with the university started in 2005 when, in what was termed "academic squatting", he changed a course to focus "not just [on] how science impacts everyday life, but how it relates to greater power structures".<ref name = "trew" >Trew, Stuart, [http://www.ottawaxpress.ca/news/news.aspx?iIDArticle=8094 Understanding power] ((Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090422185309/http://www.ottawaxpress.ca/news/news.aspx?iIDArticle=8094 |date=2009-04-22 )), ''Ottawa Xpress'', January 5, 2006.</ref><ref name = "tam" >Tam, Pauline, [http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/city/story.html?id=29960aba-4da6-4b8a-8d4b-f88f2afe8db5&p=2 Students rally around controversial professor] ((Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107045831/http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/city/story.html?id=29960aba-4da6-4b8a-8d4b-f88f2afe8db5&p=2 |date=2012-11-07 )), ''The Ottawa Citizen'', February 15, 2006.</ref><ref name = "e-bulletin">[http://onlinedb.lancasterhouse.com/index.asp?navid=2&layid=4&fid1=49&csid1=2712 Teaching Science Through Social Activism is Protected by Academic Freedom, Arbitrator Rules] ((Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713182818/http://onlinedb.lancasterhouse.com/index.asp?navid=2&layid=4&fid1=49&csid1=2712 |date=2011-07-13 )). ''College and University Employment Law E-Bulletin'', Issue No.23. February 17, 2009.</ref> In June 2008 a labour law arbitrator sided with Rancourt and ruled that "teaching science through social activism is protected by academic freedom".<ref name = "e-bulletin" /> Rancourt was removed from all teaching duties in the fall of 2008 because the dean of the faculty of science did not agree with his granting A+ grades to 23 students in one course of the winter 2008 semester.<ref name = "globe 02-06-09" /> In December, the [[Allan Rock]] administration of the University of Ottawa began dismissal proceedings against him and he was banned from campus. This generated a province-wide ([[Ontario]]) and national ([[Canada]]) public debate on grading in university courses.<ref name = "globe 02-06-09" /><ref name="TVO">[http://www.tvo.org/cfmx/tvoorg/theagenda/index.cfm?page_id=7&bpn=779472&ts=2009-04-10%2020:00:35.0 TV-Ontario, ''The Agenda'', with Steve Paikin], April 10, 2009</ref><ref name="GM Feb-11-2009">Anderssen, Erin, [https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/the-provocative-professor/article1153758/ The Provocative Professor], ''Globe and Mail'', February 11, 2009.</ref><ref name="Macleans 2009">Pinchin, Karen, [https://www.macleans.ca/news/canada/in-this-class-everyone-gets-a/ In this class, everyone gets A+], ''Maclean's Magazine'', March 13, 2009.</ref><ref>[http://www.cbc.ca/thecurrent/2009/200903/20090318.html CBC Radio (National) - ''The Current''], March 18, 2009 (Part-3).</ref><ref>McKiernan, Michael, [https://nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=1467703 Flunking out over an A+], ''National Post'', April 6, 2009.</ref> The university's Executive Committee of the Board of Governors<ref>((Cite web |url=http://web5.uottawa.ca/admingov/committee_3.html |title=Executive Committee of the Board of Governors &#124; Committee &#124; Administration and Governance |access-date=2010-03-31 |archive-date=2011-08-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110815010047/http://web5.uottawa.ca/admingov/committee_3.html |url-status=dead ))</ref> voted unanimously to fire Rancourt on March 31, 2009.<ref>Ottawa Citizen. [https://ottawacitizen.com/Business/fires+controversial+physics+professor/1463108/story.html] ((Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090409114646/http://www.ottawacitizen.com/Business/fires+controversial+physics+professor/1463108/story.html|date=2009-04-09)). Accessed April 4, 2009</ref> Rancourt has expressed the opinion that the grading issue was a pretext for his dismissal.<ref name="TVO"/> Canadian media reports have echoed that Rancourt's dismissal was political.<ref name="GM Feb-11-2009"/><ref name="Macleans 2009"/> Rancourt has grieved the dismissal and the [[Canadian Association of University Teachers]] ran an [http://www.caut.ca/pages.asp?page=741&lang=1 Independent Committee of Inquiry] into the matter.<ref name = "caut-icoi" /> The dismissal case went to binding arbitration where Rancourt's union took the position that the grading issue was a pretext to remove Rancourt and that the termination was done in bad faith.<ref name="LawyersWeekly">((cite news|url=http://www.lawyersweekly-digital.com/lawyersweekly/3129?folio=4#pg5|title=Suit with racial tones to mediation|last=Guly|first=Christopher|date=2011-12-02|publisher=The Lawyers Weekly|accessdate=2011-12-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120405055608/http://www.lawyersweekly-digital.com/lawyersweekly/3129?folio=4#pg5|archive-date=2012-04-05|url-status=dead)) [http://uofowatch.blogspot.com/2011/12/suit-with-racial-tones-to-mediation.html Alternative-links]</ref> Arbitrator Claude Foisy ruled in a decision dated January 27, 2014,<ref>[http://www.apuo.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/UNIVERSITY-OF-OTTAWA-RANCOURT-Jan-27-14.pdf In the Matter of an Arbitration], Foisy Arbitration Award, January 27, 2014, APUO web site.</ref> to uphold the university's dismissal of Rancourt.<ref>Butler, Don, "Arbitrator upholds University of Ottawa's firing of tenured professor", ''Ottawa Citizen'', January 28, 2014.</ref> On March 10, 2014, Rancourt's union announced that it would appeal the Arbitrator's award.<ref>[http://www.apuo.ca/denis-rancourt-arbitration/ Denis Rancourt arbitration], APUO announcement, March 10, 2014, APUO web site.</ref><ref>Butler, Don, [https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/decision-on-denis-rancourts-firing-undermines-academic-freedom-professors-say Decision on Denis Rancourt’s firing undermines academic freedom, professors say], ''Ottawa Citizen'', March 14, 2014.</ref> As a result, an independent inquiry was held, which, in December 2011, ruled that the termination was justified.<ref>((cite web |title=Report released on termination of U of Ottawa professor ((!)) CAUT |url=https://www.caut.ca/latest/2017/12/report-released-termination-u-ottawa-professor |website=www.caut.ca))</ref>

==U of O Watch blog==
While at Ottawa Rancourt started a blog, U of O Watch, to report various alleged malfeasance of administrators and of his colleagues. The University used "copyright infringement" against the blog for using University web site images and disciplined Rancourt with a suspension that was grieved by Rancourt.<ref>[http://larotonde.ca/2008/09/juge-derriere-des-portes-closes/ Jugé derrière des portes closes], ''La Rotonde'', September 15, 2008.</ref>

In June 2011 University of Ottawa law professor Joanne St. Lewis sued Rancourt for $1 million over two U of O Watch blog posts about her, including one which called her a "house negro".<ref name = "2014onsc3209">[http://canlii.ca/t/g705l Endorsement - Whether the words complained of in exhibits 3 and 4 are reasonably capable of defamatory meaning], ''Joanne St. Lewis v. Denis Rancourt'', 2014 ONSC 3209 (CanLII), May 27, 2014</ref><ref>[https://ottawacitizen.com/technology/Former+colleague+sues+fired+physics+professor+libel/5002584/story.html Former colleague sues fired U of O physics professor for libel]((Dead link|date=October 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes )), ''Ottawa Citizen'', June 24, 2011.</ref><ref>[https://vancouversun.com/technology/Former+colleague+sues+fired+Ottawa+professor+libel/5003009/story.html Former colleague sues fired Ottawa professor for libel], ''Vancouver Sun'', June 24, 2011.</ref><ref>[http://news.nationalpost.com/2011/07/27/calling-black-colleague-house-negro-not-racist-ex-professor/ Calling black colleague ‘House Negro’ not racist: ex-professor], ''National Post'', July 27, 2011.</ref> The ''Law Times'' (Canada) did a feature about the case on August 29, 2011.<ref>[http://www.lawtimesnews.com/201108298631/Headline-News/U-of-O-law-prof-suing-colleague-over-house-negro-remark U of O law prof suing colleague over ‘house negro’ remark - Racial reference in a blog post by Denis Rancourt at the centre of lawsuit] ((Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120122091445/http://www.lawtimesnews.com/201108298631/Headline-News/U-of-O-law-prof-suing-colleague-over-house-negro-remark |date=2012-01-22 )), ''Law Times'', August 29, 2011.</ref>

The action went to trial in May 2014, but Rancourt walked out of the trial in the first week citing "reasonable apprehension of bias" and a "[[kangaroo court]]", because the judge had struck out one of his defenses during his opening statement to the jury.<ref>Butler, Don, [https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/denis-rancourt-boycotts-his-own-trial-for-libel-citing-kangaroo-court Denis Rancourt boycotts his own trial for libel, citing 'kangaroo court'], ''Ottawa Citizen'', May 16, 2014.</ref> In June 2014, the court found Rancourt had libeled St. Lewis, and awarded $350,000 in damages, plus court costs.<ref name="ottawa.sun.001">((cite news|url=http://www.ottawasun.com/2014/06/06/malicious-prof-must-remove-libellous-blog-posts|title=Malicious prof must remove libellous blog posts|last=Spears|first=Tony|date=June 6, 2014|newspaper=[[Ottawa Sun]]|accessdate=17 June 2014))</ref><ref name="ottawa.citizen.001">((cite news|url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/u-of-o-prof-wins-libel-action-awarded-350000-damages|title=U of O prof wins libel case against Rancourt, awarded $350,000|last=Cobb|first=Chris|date=June 5, 2014|newspaper=[[Ottawa Citizen]]|accessdate=17 June 2014))</ref> Rancourt appealed the decision, but his appeal was denied and he was ordered to pay St. Lewis $30,000 in costs for the appeal.<ref>[http://www.canadianlawyermag.com/legalfeeds/2783/appeal-court-upholds-defamation-finding-in-law-prof-case.html Appeal court upholds defamation finding in law prof case] ((Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150722052936/http://www.canadianlawyermag.com/legalfeeds/2783/appeal-court-upholds-defamation-finding-in-law-prof-case.html |date=2015-07-22 )), ''Legal Feeds'', by Yamri Taddese, July 9, 2015.</ref><ref name = "2015onca513">[http://canlii.ca/t/gjxxd Endorsement on Appeal], ''St. Lewis v. Rancourt'', 2015 ONCA 513 (CanLII), July 8, 2015.</ref>

==Suspension, dismissal, and Foisy arbitration==
On November 22, 2008, Rancourt was blocked from entering his physics laboratory in the MacDonald Hall building. In the student newspaper ''The Fulcrum'', the University's Director of Communications, Andrée Dumulon, stated that "[a]ccess was prohibited because we found that there were some unauthorized individuals in the lab". Rancourt complained that the administration did not justify or explain the action. Rancourt was then banned from accessing the laboratory.<ref name="FulcrumLabStory">((Cite web |url=http://www.thefulcrum.ca/news/laboratory-lockout,-caut-review-rancourt |title="Laboratory Lockout, CAUT Review for Rancourt", ''The Fulcrum'' |access-date=2008-12-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204011736/http://www.thefulcrum.ca/news/laboratory-lockout%2C-caut-review-rancourt |archive-date=2008-12-04 |url-status=dead ))</ref>

On December 10, 2008, Rancourt was provided with two letters by administration officials.((citation needed|date=January 2009)) The first letter indicated that he was under administrative suspension and banned from campus, while the second indicated that the Dean of the Faculty of Science had recommended to the Board of Governors that Rancourt be fired. The stated reason for the University of Ottawa's actions was Rancourt's assigning of A+ grades to all students in his fourth-year physics courses in the Winter 2008 term. These courses include [[Quantum Mechanics]] (a required course) and [[Solid State Physics]].<ref>((cite web |url=http://www.media.uottawa.ca/mediaroom/news-details_1610.html |title=Statement: Recommendation for the dismissal with cause of Mr. Denis Rancourt &#124; News Releases & Announcements &#124; Media Room |accessdate=2009-04-17 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090426014607/http://www.media.uottawa.ca/mediaroom/news-details_1610.html |archivedate=2009-04-26 ))</ref>

Rancourt states the administration's actions in general, and his dismissal in particular, are influenced in part by the [[Jewish lobby|Israel lobby]] and the [[military-industrial complex]].<ref>[http://larotonde.ca/2009/01/rancourt-blame-le-%C2%AB-lobby-israelien-%C2%BB/ Rancourt blâme le « lobby israélien] ((Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090423083814/http://larotonde.ca/2009/01/rancourt-blame-le-%C2%AB-lobby-israelien-%C2%BB/ |date=2009-04-23 )) ''[[La Rotonde]]''. January 9, 2009. ([https://translate.google.com/translate?prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Flarotonde.ca%2F2009%2F01%2Francourt-blame-le-%25C2%25AB-lobby-israelien-%25C2%25BB%2F&sl=fr&tl=en&history_state0= English translation])</ref><ref>[http://larotonde.ca/2009/01/rancourt-arrete-et-poursuivi/ Rancourt arrêté et poursuivi] ((Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090423083042/http://larotonde.ca/2009/01/rancourt-arrete-et-poursuivi/ |date=2009-04-23 )). ''[[La Rotonde]]''. January 26, 2009. ([https://translate.google.com/translate?prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Flarotonde.ca%2F2009%2F01%2Francourt-arrete-et-poursuivi%2F&sl=fr&tl=en&history_state0=fr|en  English translation])</ref><ref>[http://larotonde.ca/2009/01/denis-la-mitraille/ Denis-la-mitraille] ((Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090203052650/http://larotonde.ca/2009/01/denis-la-mitraille/ |date=2009-02-03 )). ''[[La Rotonde]]''. January 12, 2009 ([https://translate.google.com/translate?prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Flarotonde.ca%2F2009%2F01%2Fdenis-la-mitraille%2F&sl=fr&tl=en&history_state0=fr|en  English translation])</ref> He has stated that his dismissal may be related to his political views, specifically his position on the Israel-Palestine conflict,<ref>[[Jesse Freeston]]. [http://www.rabble.ca/news/dismissing-critical-pedagogy-denis-rancourt-vs-university-ottawa "Dismissing critical pedagogy: Denis Rancourt vs. University of Ottawa"]. [[Rabble.ca]]. January 12, 2009.</ref> and wrote in his blog that university of Ottawa president (and former Minister of Justice) [[Allan Rock]] appears to be "a point-man of the Israel lobby at the University of Ottawa".<ref>[http://www.thefulcrum.ca/node/2266 U of O suspends Rancourt] ((Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090423111943/http://www.thefulcrum.ca/node/2266 |date=2009-04-23 )). ''The Fulcrum''. January 21, 2009.</ref>

In June 2009 all charges against Rancourt in relation to his January 2009 campus arrest for trespassing were dropped.<ref>[https://ottawacitizen.com/Technology/Trespassing+charges+against+former+professor+dropped/1745099/story.html Trespassing charges against former U of O professor dropped]((Dead link|date=October 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes )). ''The Ottawa Citizen''. June 30, 2009.</ref><ref>[http://www.cyberpresse.ca/le-droit/actualites/ottawa-est-ontarien/200906/29/01-879867-denis-rancourt-lave-de-toute-accusation.php Denis Rancourt lavé de toute accusation]. ''Le Droit''. June 29, 2009.</ref> In July 2009 Rancourt received Employment Insurance (EI) payments after EI found that the university's position that he was dismissed with cause ([https://web.archive.org/web/20090520164858/http://www100.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/ae-ei/dem-app/english/home2.html thereby barring benefit payments]) could not be upheld.<ref>[https://ottawacitizen.com/technology/cheques+show+firing+wrong+professor+argues/1818049/story.html EI cheques show firing wrong, professor argues]((Dead link|date=October 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes )). ''The Ottawa Citizen''. July 23, 2009.</ref>

In December 2008, Rancourt's research associate of over 12 years Dr. Mei-Zhen Dang was locked out of the laboratory and fired without notice, explanation or compensation. In [http://www.vimeo.com/6200161 February 2009 she sued the university]((Dead link|date=July 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes )) and in August 2009 she won a settlement. Two graduate students of Rancourt were also claimants on the lawsuit and alleged that they had been punished for being in Rancourt's research group.<ref>[https://ottawacitizen.com/Fired+University+Ottawa+researcher+wins+settlement/1928319/story.html Fired University of Ottawa researcher wins settlement] ((Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090830073543/http://www.ottawacitizen.com/Fired+University+Ottawa+researcher+wins+settlement/1928319/story.html |date=2009-08-30 )). ''The Ottawa Citizen''. August 25, 2009.</ref> The graduate students stated they were intimidated with threats to their scholarships into dropping the lawsuit and their lawyer stated that a salient feature of the case is that "it has a very political nature".<ref>[https://ottawacitizen.com/news/Fallout+from+prof+firing+leaves+students+cold/1929340/story.html Fallout from prof’s firing leaves students in the cold]((Dead link|date=October 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes )). ''The Ottawa Citizen''. August 26, 2009.</ref>

In 2011, the dismissal case went to binding labor arbitration with Arbitrator Claude Foisy presiding. There were almost 30 days of hearings, with the last hearing day being June 26, 2013. The arbitration judgement was expected within a few months of the end of the hearings.<ref>[https://ottawacitizen.com/technology/Lawyer+defends+marks+handed+Denis+Rancourt+lengthy+hearing+ends/8583597/story.html Lawyer defends A+ marks handed out by Denis Rancourt as lengthy hearing ends]((Dead link|date=October 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes )), By Don Butler, ''OTTAWA CITIZEN'', June 26, 2013</ref> During the hearings the University accused Rancourt of "inciting students to violence", and put a YouTube music video about anarchism into evidence.<ref>[https://ottawacitizen.com/news/University+Ottawa+accuses+professor+Denis+Rancourt+inciting/8509849/story.html University of Ottawa accuses ex-professor Denis Rancourt of inciting violence] ((Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130612163432/http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/University+Ottawa+accuses+professor+Denis+Rancourt+inciting/8509849/story.html |date=2013-06-12 )), By Don Butler, ''OTTAWA CITIZEN'', June 11, 2013</ref><ref>[http://www.ottawasun.com/2013/06/11/ottawa-u-had-real-worries-about-activism-class# Ottawa U had 'real worries' about activism class], By Tony Spears, ''Ottawa Sun'', June 11, 2013</ref><ref>[https://ottawacitizen.com/news/Former+University+Ottawa+professor+Denis+Rancourt+variously/8578047/story.html Lawyers spar over University of Ottawa’s dismissal of Denis Rancourt]((Dead link|date=October 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes )), By Don Butler, ''OTTAWA CITIZEN'', June 25, 2013</ref> Following the conclusion of the arbitration hearings, ''[[The Chronicle of Higher Education]]'' characterized the case as "raising questions about academic freedom and its limits".<ref>[http://chronicle.com/article/A-Self-Proclaimed-Dissident/140839/?key=QWIgJAVoanFLMX03ODYWYjcGanBrYx8kZXQbbilybl1TFw%3D%3D A Self-Proclaimed Dissident Riles Up Canadian Academe], By Karen Birchard and Jennifer Lewington, ''The Chronicle of Higher Education'', August 5, 2013</ref>

===Covert surveillance===
In January 2010, Rancourt released a public report about the University of Ottawa having practiced extensive covert surveillance of him and of several students in the period 2006–2008, based on information obtained via an access to information law appeal.<ref>Bailey, Charlotte, [http://www.thefulcrum.ca/articles/24578 "Ex-prof accuses U of O of ‘covert surveillance' - Denis Rancourt publishes public report, files grievance against university"] ((Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610084432/http://www.thefulcrum.ca/articles/24578 |date=2011-06-10 )), ''The Fulcrum'', January 14, 2010.</ref><ref>[http://larotonde.ca/2010/01/rancourt-accuse-luniversite-despionnage/ "Rancourt acuse l'universite d'espionage"]((Dead link|date=July 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes )), ''La Rotonde'', January 14, 2010.</ref><ref>Clancy, Jacquie, [http://media.www.brockpress.com/media/storage/paper384/news/2010/01/26/News/Covert.Security.Operation.Sparks.Controversy-3857939.shtml Covert security operation sparks controversy] ((Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100128163706/http://media.www.brockpress.com/media/storage/paper384/news/2010/01/26/News/Covert.Security.Operation.Sparks.Controversy-3857939.shtml |date=2010-01-28 )), ''The Brock Press'', January 26, 2010.</ref><ref>Bailey, Charlotte, [https://archive.today/20130204061200/http://thesheaf.com/2010/01/u-of-o-accused-of-spying-on-prof/ U of O accused of spying on prof - University practiced ‘extensive covert surveillance’ says ex-prof], The Sheaf, January 26, 2010.</ref><ref>McDonald, Jenn, [http://www.charlatan.ca/content/u-o-professor-claims-he-was-spied U of O professor claims he was spied on], ''The Charlatan'', January 28, 2010.</ref> The use of covert surveillance appears to be in contrast to the University position that "all procedures required by the collective agreement with the Association des Professeurs de l'Université d'Ottawa (APUO) in this matter had been properly followed".<ref>((Cite web|url=http://www.media.uottawa.ca/mediaroom/news-details_1654.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100419001502/http://www.media.uottawa.ca/mediaroom/news-details_1654.html|url-status=dead|title="University of Ottawa News Release: Statement regarding the dismissal of Denis Rancourt"|archivedate=April 19, 2010))</ref> On February 4, 2010, student Wayne Sawtell openly called on President [[Allan Rock]] to intervene and suggested that the administration's silence amounted to a cover-up.<ref>Sawtell, Wayne, [http://www.thefulcrum.ca/articles/25938 An open letter to Allan Rock] ((Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100214002323/http://thefulcrum.ca/articles/25938 |date=2010-02-14 )), ''The Fulcrum'', February 4, 2010.</ref> Following a February 27, 2010, investigative report by [[Canadians for Accountability]], some further aspects of the covert surveillance campaign and its cover-up were reported in the media on April 11, 2010, including the role of the student newspaper ''[[Fulcrum (newspaper)|The Fulcrum]]''.<ref>Godby, Ben, [http://canadians4accountability.org/blog/2010/02/27/cover-ups-101-at-university-of-ottawa/ Cover-ups 101 at University of Ottawa] ((Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100419055737/http://canadians4accountability.org/blog/2010/02/27/cover-ups-101-at-university-of-ottawa/ |date=2010-04-19 )), ''Canadians for Accountability'', February 27, 2010.</ref> On January 27, 2010, the union representing student employees at the University of Ottawa, the [[Canadian Union of Public Employees]] (CUPE, ''Local 2626''), filed a labour law grievance against the university for surveillance against several of its members. In October 2010 the union reported to its members that it had settled with the university. The settlement ensured that information gathered on students would not be allowed in the student employee files. At least one original student griever was displeased and went to the media.<ref>Curtis, Christopher, [http://thelinknewspaper.ca/article/542 U of Ottawa Settles Dispute With TA Union - Accusations of University Sanctioned Espionage Still Loom], ''The Link'', October 25, 2010.</ref><ref>Quadrini, Meghan, [http://www.charlatan.ca/content/surveillance-saga-settled Surveillance saga settled], ''The Charlatan'', October 27, 2010.</ref>

===CAUT review===
In November 2008, the [[Canadian Association of University Teachers]] announced that it would establish an Independent Committee of Inquiry (ICOI) with terms of reference to: 1) "examine the series of ongoing disputes between Rancourt and the University of Ottawa"; 2) "to determine whether there were breaches or threats to academic freedom and other faculty rights"; and 3) "to make any appropriate recommendations". The Committee consists of three professors from [[York University]], [[Wilfrid Laurier University]], and [[Rider University]]. The Committee does not have a fixed time line to work with, but previous ICOI's have generally taken two years to complete their investigation and publish a final report.<ref name="caut-icoi">"CAUT Appoints Committee to Investigate Ottawa U Rancourt Case", ''CAUT Bulletin'', January 2009 [http://www.cautbulletin.ca/en_article.asp?SectionID=1132&SectionName=News&VolID=274&VolumeName=No%201&VolumeStartDate=1/9/2009&EditionID=30&EditionName=Vol%2056&EditionStartDate=1/9/2009&ArticleID=2767] ((Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090422201752/http://www.cautbulletin.ca/en_article.asp?SectionID=1132&SectionName=News&VolID=274&VolumeName=No%201&VolumeStartDate=1%2F9%2F2009&EditionID=30&EditionName=Vol%2056&EditionStartDate=1%2F9%2F2009&ArticleID=2767|date=2009-04-22))</ref><ref name="FulcrumLabStory" /> The report was released in 2017 and concluded that "the University of Ottawa was justified in terminating Dr. Rancourt for insubordination".<ref>((Citation |year= 2017|title= Report released on termination of U of Ottawa professor|publisher= Canadian Association of University Teachers|url= https://www.caut.ca/latest/2017/12/report-released-termination-u-ottawa-professor|accessdate= June 26, 2020))</ref>

===Access to information===
On September 29, 2010, the [[Information and Privacy Commissioner (Ontario)]] released ruling PO-2915 in an access to information (ATI) case involving Rancourt and the University of Ottawa. It was shown that a letter dated September 6, 2007, sent to Rancourt by Rancourt's dean questioning Rancourt's "physical and mental well-being" was based entirely on emails exchanged with university high officials and the university Legal Counsel; suggesting "a broad plan to fire" Rancourt, as widely reported in the media.<ref>[http://www.canada.com/health/Prof+challenge+dismissal+over+unorthodox+teaching+methods/3640576/story.html Mathew Pearson, "Prof to challenge dismissal over unorthodox teaching methods", ''canada.com'', ''Calgary Herald'', ''Edmonton Journal'', 7 October 2010]</ref><ref>((Cite web|url=https://ottawacitizen.com/health/Letters+point+broad+plan+fire+prof+says/3640573/story.html|title=Mathew Pearson, "Letters point to broad plan to fire me, prof says", ''The Ottawa Citizen'', 8 October 2010))((Dead link|date=February 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes ))</ref><ref>((Cite web|url=https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/Health+concerns+based+solely+emails+professor/3641399/story.html|title=Mathew Pearson, "Health concerns based solely on emails: professor", ''National Post'', 8 October 2010))((Dead link|date=February 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes ))</ref>

==Other views ==
((fringe|date=April 2022))
In February, 2007, Rancourt published an essay disputing the [[scientific consensus on climate change]] on his [[blog]], which was applauded by [[climate change skeptic]]s [[Alexander Cockburn]] and politician [[James Inhofe]].<ref>((Cite web|url=http://activistteacher.blogspot.com/2007/02/global-warming-truth-or-dare.html|title=Activist Teacher: Global Warming: Truth or Dare?|first=Denis|last=Rancourt|date=February 27, 2007))</ref><ref>Cockburn, A., [https://www.thenation.com/article/dissidents-against-dogma/ "Dissidents Against Dogma"] ((Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151021022205/http://www.thenation.com/article/dissidents-against-dogma/ |date=2015-10-21 )), ''The Nation'', 25 June 2007.</ref><ref>((cite web |title=Inhofe Floor Speech on Global Warming: 2007 – Global Warming Alarmism Reaches a Tipping Point |url=https://www.epw.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2007/10/post-dcc7c65f-802a-23ad-4668-0aec926c60c8 |publisher=U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works |date= 2007-10-26|access-date=20 March 2024))</ref> In 2024, Rancourt made statements expressing support for various fringe views regarding [[COVID-19]], including suggesting that the virus did not exist and that the symptoms were due to "psychological stress".<ref>((Cite web |date=2024-03-18 |title=Denis Rancourt and "no virus": COVID-19 symptoms were due psychological stress from the pandemic response! ((!)) Science-Based Medicine |url=https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/denis-rancourt-and-no-virus-covid-19-symptoms-were-due-psychological-stress-from-the-pandemic-response/ |access-date=2024-03-21 |website=sciencebasedmedicine.org |language=en-US))</ref>

== References ==
((reflist|2))

((Authority control))

((DEFAULTSORT:Rancourt, Denis))
[[Category:Canadian activists]]
[[Category:Industrial Workers of the World members]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1957 births]]
[[Category:Franco-Ontarian people]]
[[Category:People from North Bay, Ontario]]
[[Category:University of Ottawa alumni]]
[[Category:University of Toronto alumni]]
[[Category:Academic staff of the University of Ottawa]]

Pages transcluded onto the current version of this page (help):

Denis Rancourt (edit)
Template:Ambox (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Authority control (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Birth date and age (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Br separated entries (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Category handler (view source) (protected)
Template:Citation (view source) (protected)
Template:Citation needed (view source) (protected)
Template:Cite news (view source) (protected)
Template:Cite web (view source) (protected)
Template:Count (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:DMCA (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Dated maintenance category (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Dated maintenance category (articles) (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Dead link (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Delink (view source) (protected)
Template:FULLROOTPAGENAME (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Fix (view source) (protected)
Template:Fix/category (view source) (protected)
Template:Fringe (edit)
Template:Fringe theories (edit)
Template:Hlist/styles.css (view source) (protected)
Template:If empty (view source) (protected)
Template:Infobox person (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Main other (view source) (protected)
Template:Multiple issues (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Multiple issues/styles.css (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Ns has subpages (view source) (protected)
Template:Overly detailed (view source) (extended confirmed protected)
Template:POV (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Pagetype (view source) (protected)
Template:Plainlist/styles.css (view source) (protected)
Template:Pluralize from text (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Reflist (view source) (protected)
Template:Reflist/styles.css (view source) (protected)
Template:SDcat (view source) (protected)
Template:Short description (view source) (protected)
Template:Short description/lowercasecheck (view source) (protected)
Template:Unbulleted list (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Webarchive (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Wikidata image (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Age (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Arguments (view source) (protected)
Module:Authority control (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Authority control/auxiliary (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Authority control/config (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Category handler (view source) (protected)
Module:Category handler/blacklist (view source) (protected)
Module:Category handler/config (view source) (protected)
Module:Category handler/data (view source) (protected)
Module:Category handler/shared (view source) (protected)
Module:Check for clobbered parameters (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Check for unknown parameters (view source) (protected)
Module:Citation/CS1 (view source) (protected)
Module:Citation/CS1/COinS (view source) (protected)
Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration (view source) (protected)
Module:Citation/CS1/Date validation (view source) (protected)
Module:Citation/CS1/Identifiers (view source) (protected)
Module:Citation/CS1/Utilities (view source) (protected)
Module:Citation/CS1/Whitelist (view source) (protected)
Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css (view source) (protected)
Module:Date (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Delink (view source) (protected)
Module:Detect singular (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Disambiguation/templates (view source) (protected)
Module:EditAtWikidata (view source) (protected)
Module:If empty (view source) (protected)
Module:Infobox (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Infobox/styles.css (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:InfoboxImage (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:List (view source) (protected)
Module:Message box (view source) (protected)
Module:Message box/ambox.css (view source) (protected)
Module:Message box/configuration (view source) (protected)
Module:Namespace detect/config (view source) (protected)
Module:Namespace detect/data (view source) (protected)
Module:Navbar (view source) (protected)
Module:Navbar/configuration (view source) (protected)
Module:Navbox (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Navbox/configuration (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Navbox/styles.css (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Ns has subpages (view source) (protected)
Module:Pagetype (view source) (protected)
Module:Pagetype/config (view source) (protected)
Module:Pagetype/disambiguation (view source) (protected)
Module:Pagetype/setindex (view source) (protected)
Module:Pagetype/softredirect (view source) (protected)
Module:ParameterCount (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:SDcat (view source) (protected)
Module:Separated entries (view source) (protected)
Module:String (view source) (protected)
Module:TableTools (view source) (protected)
Module:Text (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Unsubst (view source) (protected)
Module:Wd (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Wd/i18n (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Webarchive (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Webarchive/data (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Wikitext Parsing (view source) (protected)
Module:Yesno (view source) (protected)

Return to Denis Rancourt.

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denis_Rancourt"