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Before a masked, trans-identifying individual dumped water over the head of University of Calgary professor emeritus Dr. Tom Flanagan, soaking half of me in the process, something important was taking place: Canadians were having a peaceful, open debate about our country's history.

The topic? Whether Canada's residential school system constituted genocide.

🚨 Dr. Tom Flanagan and reporter Drea Humphrey comment after a free speech event on residential schools was cut short because a student poured an entire water bottle on Dr. Flanagan’s head.

This is an outrageous attack on freedom of expression.

When people choose to stop… pic.twitter.com/E0NINIavxg

— Students For Free Speech (@FreeSpeech_CAN) September 29, 2026

Last week, Dr. Flanagan and I were invited by The Canadian Students for Free Speech initiative in partnership with the Democracy Fund to debate students at the University of Calgary, where we welcomed challenging questions, opposing views, and respectful discussion.

For roughly 90 minutes, that's exactly what happened: a middle-aged student believed to be a poli-sci major who minors in Arabic Language and Muslim Culture began shouting false accusations of “residential school denialism” and “racism,” and encouraging allies amongst onlookers to chant for us to leave. 

While my previous report focused on the disturbing attack and lack of police response, today I'm bringing you highlights of the important conversations that took place before the chaos.

These are the discussions that those who resort to intimidation rather than debate seemingly don't want Canadians to have, especially when the truth is not on their side.