July 12, 2024
WINDSOR, Ont. – B’nai Brith Canada has given notice to the University of Windsor that it will take actions to uphold students’ rights if they are impacted by the administration’s recent capitulation to the demands of radicals representing an anti-Israel encampment on campus.
In a letter sent Friday to Dr. Robert Gordon, the university’s president and vice-chancellor, B’nai Brith warned it would “leave no stone unturned” in scrutinizing the effects of the July 10 deal, and that a response could include legal actions at the Ontario Superior Court and Human Rights Tribunal.
“Make no mistake about it – this Agreement is an insult to all those who believe in the rule of law,” wrote Judy Foldes, B’nai Brith Canada’s Chief Operating Officer. “It is imperative that the university understand and appreciate how demonstrably problematic and discriminatory the Agreement is, the negative effects of which are enhanced by the university’s failure to consult with university and community stakeholders on the adverse impact.”
Among other things, the recent Agreement to end the illegal so-called “Windsor Liberation Zone,” which started May 13, mandates “anti-Palestinian racism” trainings and education for students, faculty, and staff. It also immunizes participants in the encampment from any future academic sanctions or disciplinary proceedings.
It is worth noting that the institution does not have a policy on antisemitism and that the Agreement omits any mention of Hamas’ brutal Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attacks on Israel.
“The unbalanced concessions agreed to by the University of Windsor set a dangerous precedent and are unbecoming of a leading Canadian institution of higher education,” said Richard Robertson, B’nai Brith Canada’s Director of Research and Advocacy. “We urge President Gordon to seriously consider our letter and prevent this unreasonable deal from taking any form that is invidious to the rights of students and community stakeholders.”
