External review finds rising antisemitism and fear among TMU Jewish community
A review commissioned by Toronto Metropolitan University revealed that Jewish students, staff and faculty feel unsafe and have altered their behaviour because of increased harassment since the Oct. 7 attacks.
An external assessment ordered by Toronto Metropolitan University concluded that the campus climate for its Jewish community has sharply declined since the Oct. 7 attacks and the ensuing war in Gaza. Conducted by retired Justice Mary Lou Benotto, the 192-page report documents students, faculty and staff abandoning religious attire, curbing speech and avoiding gatherings because of fears of verbal or physical assault. Specific incidents cited include antisemitic graffiti, spitting, objects thrown at visibly Jewish individuals, and aggressive filming of Jewish student leaders.
The review also found that protests by Students for Justice in Palestine led to two disrupted events, arrests and accusations of a “heckler’s veto” due to inconsistent policy enforcement. While TMU has existing rules on conduct and free expression, the study says they are applied unevenly, fostering intimidation. Benotto recommends adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s antisemitism definition, improving response times, simplifying complaints, regulating online harassment and mandating respectful-conduct education. TMU president Mohamed Lachemi announced a task force to consider all recommendations and deliver an implementation plan by March 2027.
Why it matters
The findings highlight growing campus antisemitism, prompting calls for policy reforms to protect student safety and free expression.
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