Universities Canada update: Building on our response to the CASE report

OTTAWA — Following the recent release of the CASE report on antisemitism, university presidents from across Canada met on October 28 to discuss ongoing efforts to address antisemitism on campus and where stronger collaboration with governments and other partners can help.  

The discussion built on work already underway at universities and Universities Canada’s longstanding commitment to inclusive campuses and to addressing hate and discrimination. It focused on supporting the safety and full participation of Jewish students, faculty and staff, strengthening institutional responses and identifying areas where national coordination and federal support can add value. 

“Universities have a clear responsibility to address antisemitism on their campuses, and our members are committed to continuing that work,” said Gabriel Miller, President and CEO of Universities Canada. “Our five-point action plan will bring university leaders together, help institutions learn from one another and strengthen practical collaboration with governments and community partners.” 

Universities Canada is advancing work in five areas: 

1. Convening university leaders. Bringing members together to address shared challenges and identify opportunities for practical action. 

2. Identifying and sharing effective practices. Creating opportunities for universities to exchange practical approaches, resources and lessons and connect institutions with experienced peers. 

3. Supporting institutional action. Helping members apply shared learning by providing access to relevant expertise, practical resources and peer support. Institutions determine how to strengthen their responses within their own legal, governance and institutional contexts. 

4. Strengthening national collaboration. Working with Jewish students, faculty and community organizations, governments, law enforcement and relevant national organizations and agencies. 

5. Advancing recommendations to the federal government. Working with federal partners to pursue Universities Canada’s recommendations for stronger national coordination and enforcement, greater support for education and prevention and improved research and data. 

Universities Canada’s is working with the federal government to: 

• Include universities in a coordinated national response to antisemitism. 

• Strengthen the implementation and enforcement of protections against hate, intimidation and harassment while respecting freedom of expression and lawful peaceful protest. 

• Support evidence-based education and prevention. 

• Improve research, reporting and data on antisemitism and hate. 

Member universities will continue taking action through their own policies, governance structures and practices, consistent with applicable law and institutional autonomy. 

The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, also joined the discussion to discuss the role of the federal government in combating antisemitism in Canada and how it can support universities in addressing antisemitism on campus. He shared the following with the audience: 

“All students deserve to feel safe and welcome on campus, regardless of their faith. As antisemitism surges in Canada, we are taking action to strengthen public safety, combat antisemitism and ensure Jewish Canadians can be visibly, fully and joyfully Jewish in public life. We look forward to working with universities to identify concrete steps to address antisemitism on university campuses and ensure Jewish students, faculty and staff feel safe, supported and able to fully participate in university life.” 

Universities Canada and its members have a longstanding record of work to advance equity, diversity and inclusion and address racism and discrimination, including through the Inclusive Excellence Principles and EDIA Action Plan, the Commitments to Truth and Reconciliation, and work addressing anti-Black racism and Islamophobia. The current focus on antisemitism builds on that broader commitment to inclusive and respectful university communities.