At the University of Toronto, we understand how current and global affairs, including ongoing conflicts, natural disasters, as well as discrimination in Canada and abroad, may have profound impacts on members of our community. We recognize that as people navigate their work and learning environments during times of global strife and crisis, they may require very different types of programs, services, supports, and resources.
To support the community and to sustain the principles of inclusion and belonging, the Institutional Equity Office (IEO) will bring together engagement and education opportunities and available resources from across U of T. We encourage you to explore them below.
The past few months have been a difficult time for the University community, particularly for those with close connections to Israel, Gaza, the West Bank, and the broader Middle East. Many — including Arabs, Israelis, Jews, Muslims, Palestinians, and allies of these communities — are experiencing pain and anguish at what is unfolding overseas. At the same time, many have shared experiences of antisemitism, Islamophobia, anti-Israeli discrimination and anti-Palestinian discrimination.
The Institutional Equity Office is setting up community check-ins to:
- Better understand the challenges communities are currently facing;
- Design, develop, and provide more culturally responsive supports and resources;
- Collect preliminary feedback on the early stages of a Faith and Anti-Racism Framework.
Whatever you are experiencing, we want to hear from you.
In light of recent disruptions and protests on campus, as well as ongoing escalations in Gaza, Israel, the West Bank, and the broader Middle East, the Institutional Equity Office, in collaboration with community partners across the tri-campus, has coordinated and compiled some programs and resources to support U of T community members.
This page will be updated as existing resources are enhanced and new ones are established.
Additional supports will be updated as they become available.
Institutional Equity Office Faith & Anti-Racism Inclusion Strategy
The Faith and Anti-Racism Inclusion Strategy articulates the goals and objectives of the IEO in meeting and adapting to the evolving needs of the university’s faith-based communities experiencing racism and discrimination on campus.
Goal: To advance the University’s frameworks and capacity to address the intersectional experiences of faith- and race-based discriminations, to proactively foster inclusive campus environments, to build trust with and be responsive to the unique needs of faith-based communities across the tri-campus.
Strategy 1
Identify, develop, and collaboratively launch key initiatives, programs, education, and supports, focused on addressing the experiences of discrimination faced by faith-based communities, including antisemitism, anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian discrimination, anti-Israeli discrimination, Islamophobia, creed-based discrimination, and discrimination based on place of origin and ethnicity.
Strategy 2
Create mechanisms and platforms that help build trust and allow for feedback and regular engagement between equity offices and faith-based/religious/spiritual communities on campus.
Strategy 3
Work collaboratively with all creed- and faith-based communities on campus to increase inclusive practices across the tri-campus, including increasing awareness, capacity, and responsiveness to religious accommodation requests.
Strategy 4
Implement education, competency- and capacity-building opportunities for EDI administrators and the broader learning community on antisemitism, Islamophobia and other forms of faith-based discrimination.
What We Are Doing
Community Check-In and Restorative Dialogues:
Met with over 100 U of T community members to discuss current challenges related to the events of October 7th and the encampment.
IEO is actively developing a community restorative and trust-building plan for the Fall of 2024.
Community Safety and Wellbeing Supports:
Acute supports, including resources pertaining to physical safety, wellbeing, and onsite counselling for Arab, Jewish, Israeli, Muslim, Palestinian and the broader community have been coordinated and shared widely during the ongoing protests/encampment.
Consultations on the preliminary draft of the Faith & Anti-Racism Framework are underway.
Pillars of the framework:
- Institutional Equity Commitments
- Education and Training
- Community Supports
- Healthy Engagement Opportunities
Consultations have commenced for the development of tri-campus modules on the following topics:
- Antisemitism
- Anti-Israeli Discrimination
- Intersection of Antisemitism and Anti-Israeli Discrimination
- Faith, Race, and Human Rights
- Islamophobia
- Anti-Palestinian Discrimination
The IEO continues to work with divisional partners to meet the commitments to the Antisemitism Working Group Report.
Developing plans to launch the Anti-Islamophobia Working Group.
Launching a review of the University’s Statement on Prohibited Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment.
The IEO is working collaboratively with institutional partners to enhance complaints resolution supports on matters of antisemitism, Islamophobia, anti-Palestinian and anti-Israeli discrimination for members of the university community.
Institutional Resources
Geopolitical and humanitarian crises around the world impact the lives of students, faculty, librarians, and staff at U of T. Provided below are some institutional resources available to the U of T community for ongoing support, consultations, and education.
Institutional Equity Office (IEO)
The IEO is responsible for initiatives that engage race, religion and ethnicity, Indigeneity and reconciliation, sexual and gender identities, disability and universal design. This includes community consultations, complaints resolution support, and accountability on the implementation of U of T’s Institutional Equity Commitments.
Our tri-campus Equity Offices, including the EDIO at UTM and UTSC, provide advice and guidance; complaints resolution support; and year-round educational programming. This includes workshops addressing antisemitism and Islamophobia provided through the Anti-Racism & Cultural Diversity Office.
Centre for International Experience (CIE)
The CIE offers a range of programs and services to support international students, as well as global learning opportunities for all students.
Complaints Resolution Supports
Support is available to assist students, faculty, librarians, and staff in reporting discrimination or harassment and finding a resolution.
Mental Health Supports
Students can access mental health programs, tools, and counselling services through U of T’s Student Mental Health Resource hub. Faculty, librarians, staff, and their families have access to mental health support through the Employee & Family Assistance Program.
Responding to the Impact of World Events
The Office of the Vice-Provost, Students provides a list of resources for students who need support in response to a world event.
Dates of Recognition, Observance & Celebration
Learn about annual dates of local, national, and international significance, as well as the traditions celebrated by many in our community.
The MFC supports the spiritual well-being of students on the St. George campus and provides opportunities for students to learn from each other while exploring questions of meaning, purpose and identity.
Connect to additional community resources available to students, faculty members, staff, and librarians.
Supports for prospective students affected by geopolitical and humanitarian crises
The School of Graduate Studies has an FAQ for non-U of T students currently enrolled in graduate studies abroad who are considering coming to U of T.
Scholars at Risk Programs
Undergraduate and graduate students whose current or proposed program of study has been impacted by changing political environments in their country of current or future study, including changes in immigration law, can apply for SAR funding from anywhere in the world.
The Office of the Vice-President, International works to deepen U of T’s global impact and to engage in meaningful reciprocal partnerships around the world.
The CSO offers support and assistance to U of T community members who have experienced personal safety concerns.
The FCO provides confidential guidance, resources, referrals, educational programming, and advocacy for U of T community members and their families.
Sexual Violence Prevention and Support Centre (SVPSC)
The SVPSC has locations on each campus to help students, staff, and faculty who have been affected by sexual violence or sexual harassment access support, services and accommodations.