Attention: Anti-Palestinian Racism on University Campuses

To the Presidents of the University of British Columbia, University of Victoria, University of Alberta, University of Calgary, University of Saskatchewan, University of Manitoba, University of Winnipeg, University of Toronto, York University, Wilfrid Laurier University, University of Ottawa, University of Western Ontario, University of Waterloo, Queen’s University, McMaster University, University of Guelph, Toronto Metropolitan University, Carleton University, McGill University, Concordia University, University of Montreal, University of Sherbrooke, University of Quebec at Montreal, Laval University, Dalhousie University and Memorial University:

As events in Occupied Palestine have escalated over the last few months, there has come a marked upturn in harassment, violence, intimidation and discrimination aimed towards not only Palestinian students across campuses but also those who have sought to support them in any capacity. As steadfast advocates for the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion for all within educational institutions, we are astounded by the repeated recent cases of censorship and discrimination against Palestinian students and students in solidarity with Palestine on university campuses. These instances, reported on and documented, have largely gone unaddressed. We believe mainstream media discourse and political interest groups have so resoundingly normalized the dehumanization and vilification of Palestinian life, that it has fostered heightened racist attitudes towards members of their community.

Furthermore, there has long been a deliberate consensus which avoids recognizing these abuses or the harm they entail. The Legal Centre for Palestine has provided legal consultation and defense to tens of students across Canada since October 2023. Our organization has been collecting data on incidents of anti-Palestinian racism for the past 3 years, and we have identified a dramatic increase of incidents on university campuses. In particular, the conflation of all opposition to actions of the state of Israel with antisemitism, in conjunction with deeming assertions of Palestinian identity as antisemitic, has been instrumental in disenfranchising students who have advocated for an end to Israeli occupation and an end to the current genocide, by misleadingly depicting them as inciting hatred. While antisemitism is a very real problem in Canada and around the world, it is currently being weaponized by those who support Israel’s actions to silence peoples legitimate criticisms. Slogans and chants on campuses calling for Palestinian liberation have been falsely equated with hate speech. Calls to respect international humanitarian law have been met with ferocious backlash, as some academic institutions resorted to physically stopping students from peacefully gathering; even through the use of violent enforcement. It is time to confront this situation before it worsens.

Given how evident it has been that the deplorable situation in Gaza is worsening, there should be no hesitation to denounce Israel’s conduct. Students and faculty members of Palestinian descent and their allies, who have stood in support of human rights, have been subjected to growing discrimination and hostility on campuses. These incidents range from verbal and physical harassment to intimidation to hate speech and intolerance of all kinds. This has created a dangerous environment which is antithetical to the principles of inclusivity that universities strive to uphold. It is important to protect students and staff not only from hate speech but also exclusionary practices aimed at policing their voices and their right to political expression. This is crucial especially when other forms of political expression are rarely being scrutinized in the same way, but instead are strictly upheld as legitimate and protected.

There is an ominous trend where students and faculty expressing support for Palestine or engaging in discussions even online, face infringements on their speech and academic freedoms. It is imperative to emphasize that universities serve as bastions of open discourse, where diverse perspectives are welcomed and are supposed to be protected. The reported challenges faced by those advocating for or expressing solidarity with Palestine suggests a deviation from the principles of academic freedom that are central to the mission of higher educational institutions.

Moreover, it is alarming that some of these instances have been facilitated by university practices which may violate your own codes of conduct and the responsibility to safeguard the rights of all students and staff, regardless of their political affiliations or perspectives.

We urge you to consider the following actions to address these concerns:

1. Conduct a thorough review of your university's policies to ensure that they align with the principles of inclusivity and academic freedom.

2. Take proactive measures to educate the university community about the importance of respectful dialogue, recognizing and valuing diverse perspectives.

3. Establish clear channels for reporting incidents of discrimination and harassment, ensuring that they are promptly and effectively addressed.

4. Engage with relevant student groups, faculty associations, and advocacy organizations to foster an open dialogue and gain insights into the realities of anti-Palestinian racism and how to structurally address it.

5. Consider organizing campus-wide events or initiatives that promote understanding and empathy regarding the ongoing conflict, fostering an environment where diverse opinions can be expressed without fear of reprisal.

In conclusion, we believe that by addressing these concerns head-on, universities such as yours can reinforce the fundamental commitment you have made to creating a campus environment that is truly inclusive, respectful, and conducive to the pursuit of knowledge.

Thank you for your attention to this important issue. We look forward to hearing about the steps that you will be taking to address and rectify the challenges currently faced by members of your university community.

Sincerely,

The Legal Center for Palestine