University of Toronto rejects 57 recommendations on discrimination against Muslims, Arabs and Palestinians

TORONTO — The University of Toronto's decision to reject a report on discrimination against Muslims, Arabs and Palestinians on its campuses has raised questions about efforts to combat racism and protect freedom of expression, after the report revealed problems in how these groups are treated.

The university announced on Thursday that it will not adopt the report or its 57 recommendations, although it acknowledged that there are cases of discrimination that need to be addressed.

The decision followed an extensive review of the university's policies and practices, which concluded that there is a general pattern of heightened scrutiny of Muslims, Arabs and Palestinians, alongside shortcomings in protecting them.

300-page report reveals discrimination complaints

The report was prepared by a task force the university set up to study discrimination against Muslims, Arabs and Palestinians.

The review, which ran from March 2025 to January 2026, drew on consultations with 85 people and a small group, as well as 525 responses to a survey of students, staff, faculty and librarians across the university's three campuses.

The findings revealed complaints about restrictions on freedom of expression, limits placed on events, and inconsistency in handling reports of discrimination.

Participants also spoke about differences in how the rules on protests and political posters are applied, particularly when the issue relates to Palestine.

The report pointed to stereotypes that portray Muslims, Arabs and Palestinians as terrorists or antisemitic, as well as limited knowledge of their history, cultures and experiences.

Criticism of the handling of pro-Palestinian protests

The report highlighted the university's handling of pro-Palestinian protests, including the encampment held on campus in 2024.

Participants in the consultations objected to the legal measures the university took to end the encampment.

The report also noted concerns about a Palestine exception in the application of academic freedom principles.

The complaints included cases in which research activities or initiatives dealing with issues affecting Muslims, Arabs and Palestinians were seen as potential indicators of antisemitism, raising concerns about the effect on freedom of research and academic debate.

These observations remain findings and testimony gathered by the review team, not judicial rulings establishing that violations occurred in every case.

Key recommendations the university rejected

The task force put forward 57 recommendations aimed at strengthening fairness and equality at the university.

The proposals included reviewing the criteria used to assess security risks and ensuring that the rules on protests and posters are applied neutrally, without distinguishing between political positions.

They also called for improving procedures for handling complaints and setting clearer rules for cancelling or postponing events.

Other recommendations addressed the university's relationships with hospitals and educational institutions, noting complaints from professors and physicians who said they faced professional criticism after signing letters supporting health-care workers in Gaza.

The report also proposed studying a ban on investments that help violate basic binding rules of international law.

University explains why it rejected the report

The university's administration said it recognizes that discrimination against Muslims, Arabs and Palestinians exists, but it considered the report fundamentally different from previous equity reports.

It said some sections contain lengthy discussions of international events, while certain recommendations conflict with collective agreements or with guarantees of academic freedom.

It added that other proposals exceed its authority or are inconsistent with its position in favour of limiting institutional intervention in political issues.

The university acknowledged that the report may reflect painful experiences for some members of its community, but said it may also upset others, including some Jewish and Israeli students and staff.

New measures to combat discrimination

Despite rejecting the report, the university pledged to carry out separate measures to strengthen protection against discrimination.

The steps include reviewing prayer spaces for Muslims and ensuring that suitable places of worship and multi-faith facilities are available on its three campuses.

The Office of Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion will also launch an online learning program to raise awareness of discrimination against Muslims, Arabs and Palestinians.