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Antisemitism on Campus

University and college campuses are hotspots for antisemitism, and campus leadership have failed to hold participating demonstrators – including students, administration and faculty accountable. Freedom of expression is not limitless, and dissemination of hate can no longer be justified by academic freedom. The chaos that has ensued on campus is causing our universities to lose credibility and academic standing. When the competitive edge of our academic institutions erodes further, we will see an exodus of the brightest minds who will seek education elsewhere.  

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Recommendations:

Addressing hate in all forms, including antisemitism, requires leadership by universities, colleges, Jewish and allied organizations, and the Government of Ontario, to protect Jewish faculty and students' rights. We believe the provincial government has a responsibility to ensure that academic institutions maintain commitments to safety and remain centres of excellence that will improve life for all Ontarians and of which Canadians can be proud.  

We therefore recommend that all candidates, if elected, commit to: 

  1. Publicly rejecting BDS as a movement on campus. This could mean government legislation or directives that end racist boycott activities, including BDS campaigns, across any publicly funded institution such as universities and colleges.   

  2. Restricting public funding to any organization that advocates for or supports BDS.  

  3. Enforcing existing policies and laws to protect Jews on campus and advocating for improved policies, training, and laws. 

  4. Committing to more accountability from university leadership so they implement equitable policies against harassment, bullying, and toxic environment that align with the IHRA definition of antisemitism, and ensuring institutional leaders implement their policies against harassment, bullying, and a toxic work environment.  

  5. Building from Bill 166, creating minimum requirements for institutions on reporting hate and harassment, both to reduce bias and guarantee that students who have experienced antisemitism can navigate the process with ease.  

  6. Ensuring there are consequences for teachers who use their classrooms or campus as platforms to spread hate, demonize a group of people, and fail to foster a safe and inclusive environment for all.  

  7. Addressing issues related to “abuse of podium,” hostile learning environments, overreaching faculty union actions, and lack of constraint on academic freedom. 

Questions for Candidates