In March 2021, the Honourable Thomas A. Cromwell CC completed an independent review on the search process for the directorship of the International Human Rights Program at the Faculty of Law. As part of his findings, Justice Cromwell recommended that the University examine potential protections for professional staff leading professional experiential clinics, whose positions require them to take on controversial and unpopular causes, and to examine whether additional supports or protections may be needed.
President Gertler’s response affirms the University’s commitment to “…addressing this issue, recognizing the unique circumstances, including standards of professional practice, that warrant further careful consideration.”
As a result, the Acting Vice-President & Provost and the Vice-President, People Strategy, Equity, and Culture are co-chairing an advisory group to examine the issue under consideration. The Advisory group has been tasked with making final recommendations by October 31, 2021.
The Advisory Group will conduct consultations with members of the University on the issues under consideration and are seeking input from all members of our U of T community.
The Acting Vice-President and Provost and the Vice-President, People Strategy and Culture are therefore inviting responses to the Call for Submissions. Responses should be submitted electronically to vp.psec@utoronto.ca by Friday, August 20, 2021 Monday, October 18, 2021. Thank you in advance for your prompt responses to the Call for Submission, as we know this is an exceptionally busy time for the University of Toronto community.
For more information please visit the committee webpage.