Controversial former Calgary professor arrested for trespassing in Lethbridge

Frances Widdowson, seen in an appearance at the University of Lethbridge in February 2023. (File)

A woman who was fired by a Calgary university over her controversial views on residential schools has been arrested for trespassing, Lethbridge police say.

Frances Widdowson was arrested at the University of Lethbridge on April 25 for trespassing, police confirmed to CTV News on Monday.

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Officials say she was escorted off the property and ticketed for trespassing.

Widdowson was fired by Calgary’s Mount Royal University in 2020 after she made comments that suggested that residential schools had benefits.

In February 2023, she was scheduled to have a speaking engagement at the University of Lethbridge, but a protest involving hundreds of people prevented it from taking place.

This is a developing story, and we will have more information when it becomes available…

With files from CTV News Calgary’s Stephen Hunt