(Oct. 26, 2026 / JNS)
A spokesperson for the University of Toronto told JNS that a recent motion passed by the student union, which calls for cutting ties with Israeli universities, “would have no impact on the university’s partnerships or operations.”
“The University of Toronto strongly opposes academic boycotts, as they go against our commitment to academic freedom and open dialogue,” the public university’s spokesperson informed JNS.
“All U of T partnerships and agreements adhere to Canadian law and university regulations,” the spokesperson added.
The resolution, which was approved at the union’s annual general meeting, specifically mentions the university’s research collaboration with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The motion also alleges that Israel is committing “genocide.”
During discussions prior to the vote, one supporter claimed that academic boycotts were effective in opposing apartheid in South Africa. An opponent cautioned that ending these partnerships could negatively affect Arab and Palestinian students attending Israeli institutions.
Hillel of Ontario and Stand With Us Canada criticized the resolution “in the strongest possible terms” and stated that “an academic boycott does nothing to advance peace or help Palestinians.”
“It marginalizes Jewish and Israeli students and scholars, treating the free exchange of ideas-something a university aims to protect-as a matter for voting,” they expressed.
The groups further noted that there were attempts to prevent people who might oppose it from attending the meeting.
They mentioned that registration for the meeting closed more than a week prior but reopened just hours before voting after students raised concerns.
“As a student society, UTSU is independent but must follow university policies and operate in an open, accessible, and democratic manner,” said the university spokesperson to JNS.
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