Tuesday, May 18, 2021

The Arts and Science Students’ Union (ASSU) is deeply concerned by the silencing of Palestinian advocacy and discourse by the University of Toronto, specifically the Faculty of Law’s rescinding of an offer for the Directorship for the International Human Rights Program (IHRP).

Although this issue began in the Faculty of Law, the impacts of UofT’s inaction have extended to all students, including those in the Faculty of Arts & Sciences. In allowing donor pressure to influence the hiring decision, the Faculty of Law has endangered the reputation and fundamental values of UofT as a whole. We stand in solidarity with the Canadian Association of University Teachers’ censure in response to UofT’s violations of academic integrity and freedom. We also recognize the impact that it has on student life and co-curricular opportunities, and we reiterate student concerns about future appointments and speaking engagements at our university.

The University of Toronto prides itself on its vibrant academic discourse. This hiring decision signals to UofT students, faculty, and staff that their Palestinian discourse is not welcome on campus. As Palestinians currently undergo media and political silencing as well as ethnic cleansing, it is crucial that UofT stands in solidarity with the Palestinian community, and values their voices on campus. As such, we are urging the University Administration to:

  1. Issue a statement to ensure that Palestinian students and their allies are safe to express Palestinian discourse on campus
  2. Acknowledge that the IHRP hiring decision demonstrated censorship of Palestinian activism, and work to rectify this decision through an Action Plan for improving the integrity of the University’s hiring decisions moving forward

We mourn all those killed and injured as a result of the violent occupation and strikes, and offer our deepest sympathies to those affected by the devastation in the Palestinian community. Please do not hesitate to reach out to any ASSU executives with any concerns.

With solidarity,

The ASSU Executive