The University of Toronto Student Union (UTSU) has approved a motion asking the university to sever ties with academic institutions in Israel. However, officials from the university state that this decision will not change Uof T’s relationships with other universities.
During their annual general meeting on October 22, the UTSU, which represents full-time undergraduate students at the St. George campus, voted on this motion. It calls for the University of Toronto to terminate partnerships with institutions “involved in the denial of basic human rights or in maintaining the Israeli occupation” and that “do not recognize or support the rights of Palestinians under international law.”
The motion specifies that several collaborations should be ended due to these institutions not respecting Palestinian rights for self-determination and return. This includes the research and innovation alliance with Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJI), a $1 million donation from Lyon Sachs associated with Israel’s Technion Institute of Technology, and the Coburn Award providing fellowships up to $20,000 for students attending Tel Aviv University or HUJI.
Representatives from the University of Toronto were unavailable for an interview. In an email statement sent to The CJN, they mentioned that the motion “would have no impact on the university’s partnerships or operations.”
“All U of T partnerships and agreements comply with Canadian law and university policies,” stated the message. “As a student society, UTSU is autonomous but is subject to university policies and must operate in an open, accessible and democratic manner. The university does not sponsor, organize or endorse actions taken by autonomous student groups.”
Cameron is a third-year arts student at Uof T who spoke against this motion during the annual general meeting. They preferred to keep their last name private due to concerns about potential harassment from other students toward them or their sister.
“(The union) claimed that since the UN has declared Israel as committing a crime against humanity, then academically collaborating should stop,” Cameron explains. “I pointed out how Uof T collaborates with Saudi Arabia, China, and Turkey-countries also deemed by UN declarations as committing crimes against humanity or human rights abuses.”
According to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism-which has been adopted by both Ontario and Canadian governments (but not by Uof T)-holding Israel to different standards than other nations constitutes antisemitism.
Cameron noted that two additional students opposed while two supported the motion. Cameron was last speaker.
“I didn’t receive any response,” they share. “Then someone else moved to end debate; it was voted on and passed.”
Around 150 students attended in person while another 130 joined via Zoom according to Cameron’s estimate. They said most attendees showed support for passing this motion through a show of hands. The union claims representation for over 41,000 students.
Michelle Dor, executive director at Stand With Us Canada notes that low participation numbers combined with public voting can yield misleading outcomes.
“This tries to silence dissenting opinions right? They only want one side represented,” Dor states.
UTSU representatives could not confirm attendance numbers nor whether voting occurred publicly; they also did not explain why discussion ended after just five speakers.
This development follows more than four years after UTSU adopted a resolution aiming for divestment from firms supporting what they see as occupation in Palestinian territories-a move criticized by Jewish advocacy groups who viewed it as disguised antisemitism against Zionism.
In 2024, amid ongoing demands from campus group Occupy for Palestine (O4P), former president Meric Gertler issued a statement rejecting O4P’s requests.
Gertler expressed it was inappropriate and counterproductive to “single out academics working or studying in a particular country” holding them accountable for governmental actions or policies instead saying such collaborations are crucial for universities’ shared mission towards knowledge production and fostering understanding.
” Academic boycotts contradict fundamental values inherent within our institution”, wrote Gertler. p >Current president Melanie Woodin echoed similar sentiments during her introductory remarks at September ’s conference focused on antisemitism. p >Catch up on highlights like Richard Robertson , director overseeing research/advocacy work done here B’nai Brith Canada emphasizing importance accountability remains paramount even if he believes those requests won’t materialize into actual action taken either way creates hostile atmosphere specifically targeting Jewish beliefs shared openly too. p >” This marks yet another effort made either through faculty/students unions seeking influence over Canadian campuses disfavoring diverse communities involved including those practicing Judaism”, Robertson explains. p >Dor agrees , elaborating further stating cutting links would halt significant research advancements tackling cancer solutions alongside water tech applications biomedical innovations altogether losing opportunities across all exchanges occurring between these programs respectively. p >” Furthermore , Arab Palestinian individuals forming substantial segments enrolled here would face adverse repercussions moving forward ,” she states clearly drawing attention necessary matters addressed correctly. p >When approached regarding whether accountability measures applied towards addressing issues resulting herein we find lack clear direction being provided support offered throughout community members facing struggles post-decision made recently stemming concerns arose previously voiced many regards relating feeling marginalized experiences endured countless times now amplified significantly without proper channels established leading back responses sought answers ultimately left unanswered surrounding developments arising thereafter. p >In light recent discussions conducted online Hillel Uof T expressed disappointment around accessibility experienced during AGM noting closures related registrations impacted overall turnout attendance levels confirming though some re-opened shortly before actual event day itself hindering broader participation overall despite intentions aimed primarily focusing inclusion & outreach efforts demonstrated consistently throughout organization’s history serving minority populations effectively ensuring voices heard widely across board ultimately achieving desired goals collectively reached together rather than isolating individuals based solely upon differing perspectives held firmly onto tightly regardless personal backgrounds pursued respective courses leading passions brought forth life lived fully embracing differences celebrated uplifting each member equally valued cherished respected always together thriving harmoniously truly diversity makes strong community building bonds lasting lifetimes enduring through changes adversity faced head-on overcoming obstacles successfully transforming challenges opportunities growth resilience developing along paths walked connectedly bonded tightly woven fabric strengthened continuously expanding horizon possibilities realized dreams fulfilled shared journey experienced comprehensively uniting everyone along way creating brighter future envisioned collaboratively powering forward striving excellence attaining greatness aspiring high reaching potential maximizing contributions making world better place shining bright illuminating darkness casting away shadows bringing hope lighting flames passion burning brightly igniting fire hearts souls alive inspired driven constantly pushing limits discovering depths talents unlocking doors unprecedented adventures exploring limitless horizons stretching far wide revealing hidden treasures waiting found embraced wholeheartedly whole-heartedly welcoming all join venture exciting new endeavors awaiting exploration beckoning call brave souls willing embark upon journeys unknown ready dive deep embrace wonders unfold magnificently beautifully painting landscapes dreams dreamt vividly colors vibrantly alive harmonious symphony echoing throughout realms vast expanses eternity unfolding eternity. p >
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