The University is aware of a planned anti-trans and anti-2SLGBTQ+ demonstration taking place at Queen’s Park and across North America on September 20, and we have consulted with community partners on potential impacts. Faculty, staff, librarians, students, and visitors to the St. George campus may be impacted due to the event’s proximity to the University and its subject matter. In the wake of the recent violent incident targeting women and gender studies at a peer university, we understand that certain members of our own community may feel particularly impacted. 

I would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm the University of Toronto’s dedication to the values of inclusion, excellence, diversity, and access. We unequivocally support all 2SLGBTQ+ members of the University of Toronto community, and those across Canada and around the world, who are experiencing increasing discrimination and violence. The University is an environment where all students, faculty, staff, and librarians should feel that they belong, are respected and can thrive. Expressions of hate including homophobia, transphobia, and all forms of discrimination, have no place at the University of Toronto, or in society at large. Providing and maintaining a safe environment for everyone is a priority for the University.  

Campus Safety will be monitoring the situation and encourages community members to contact them at 416-978-2222 or through our Safety App for any urgent safety concerns. Please know that ongoing supports are also available through the Sexual and Gender Diversity Office, Equity Offices across the University, and through the Sexual Violence Prevention & Support Centre.