Toronto University acknowledged on Thursday that discrimination against Muslim, Arab and Palestinian communities existed within the institution. The administration stated its commitment to tackling the issue head-on.
The admission follows a nearly 300-page report compiled by the university’s Muslim, Arab and Palestinian Discrimination Working Group, known as the MAP DWG. The document identified a general pattern of over-policing and under-protecting these specific groups.
Participants involved in the study reported multiple experiences of harassment, derogatory remarks, vandalism and online intimidation. They also raised serious concerns about being surveilled or targeted because of their research, activism or expressions of support for Palestinians.
However, the university stated it could not accept the report and its recommendations as written. Officials argued that some proposals conflicted with collective agreements and protections for faculty academic freedom, while others fell outside the jurisdiction of the institution.
Despite rejecting the report itself, the university outlined several immediate measures to address the concerns raised by the affected communities.
The measures include seeking additional financial support for students affected by global conflicts. The administration also committed to continuing academic investments in research related to Muslim, Arab and Palestinian communities.
Another step involves establishing a Muslim Community Advisory Council. This proposed body will seek advice from external Muslim community organizations on campus climate and equity issues affecting students, faculty, staff and librarians.
