March 21, 2022 – PRESS RELEASE: The University of Toronto continues to breach the rights of staff, faculty and students under the Ontario Human Rights Act

PRESS RELEASE March 21, 2022

The University of Toronto continues to breach the rights of staff, faculty and students under the Ontario Human Rights Act which mandates accommodation by the University’s vaccine mandate policy.

University of Toronto staff, students, and faculty presented a letter to the University of Toronto’s top administrators on February 16, 2022, prepared by counsel Mr. Courtney Betty and Mr. Glyn Hotz and sent on behalf of individuals affected by the university’s vaccination mandates. The letter outlines claims of the affected parties, many of whom have already been placed on 12-months unpaid leave, intend to make in a pending Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario Group Application. These claims are now being filed.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has announced the end of Ontario’s vaccine passport on March 1st. The Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Kieran Moore referred to this date with respect to ending the vaccination requirement for post-secondary on-campus access as well. The decision of the Province and the Chief Medical Officer of Health must be followed by the University.

However, in a March 4th update from Vice-President & Provost Cheryl Regehr, and Vice-President People Strategy, Equity & Culture Kelly Hannah-Moffat, the University of Toronto announced that it will continue to require proof of vaccination for those attending our campuses until at least the end of the academic term.

The University of Toronto is going against public health recommendations even though they relied on them to enforce overly restrictive mandates on students, staff, and faculty. Why is the University stubbornly resisting the evolving science when they relied on it to legally justify their overreaching vaccination requirements. The University’s approach violates the human rights of  members of the University of Toronto community and must be immediately removed.

While we await the decision of the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario we request that the University immediately comply with the Province’s decision and prevent the continuation of the damages and suffering facing so many members of the community. The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario has acknowledged receipt of the claims submitted.

Jeff Graham, Sean Moore, Robert Holmstedt, and Julie Quenneville
for the University of Toronto staff, faculty and students involved.

Inquiries can be sent to Jeff Graham at: [email protected]

Jeff Graham is a member of:
http://www.utm.utoronto.ca/psychology/faculty-staff/graham-jeff
academics4covidethics.ca/Letter-to-President-UofT_2022-02-16.pdf
https://www.canadiancovidcarealliance.org
https://canadiancentreforlearning.ca