U of T Dentistry Dean on Leave After Antisemitic Cartoons in Lecture

The Dean of Dentistry at the University of Toronto has been placed on leave. This follows the use of cartoons with antisemitic themes in a lecture. The university is investigating.
By Newsroom | Education, Crime |

The use of cartoons with antisemitic themes in a University of Toronto dentistry lecture has led to the dean of the Faculty of Dentistry being placed on leave pending an investigation. The images, which appeared in course materials, have drawn criticism and prompted a formal inquiry by the university.

Details of the Incident

The controversy emerged after Dr. Anil Kishen, Dean of the University of Toronto's Faculty of Dentistry, used antisemitic cartoons in a recent lecture. The images were reportedly used to illustrate concepts related to "strangulation theory" and "immunological modulation" in tooth health.

  • Cartoons Depicted: One illustration showed a figure combining the Israeli flag with ropes constricting a head colored with the Palestinian flag. Another depicted a man with a large, hooked nose swimming in money labeled "immunity."

  • Dr. Kishen's Statement: He has stated that he used the images "without appreciating the antisemitic and discriminatory meanings, and their negative impact on Jewish colleagues and students and the broader learning environment." He also indicated he was not trying to make political statements.

  • University's Response: U of T confirmed that Dr. Kishen is on leave pending the outcome of an investigation. The university has stated that Dr. Kishen has agreed to cooperate fully with the probe and has removed the images from his course materials. He has also apologized directly to his class and the broader Faculty.

  • Timeline: The exact date of the lecture is not specified, but the reports emerged in late February 2024.

Reactions and Calls for Action

The incident has sparked concern and calls for further action.

  • Criticism from Advocacy Groups: The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) stated that such images "exacerbate the hate and hostile atmosphere Jewish university students experience every day."

  • Official Statements: Trevor Young, U of T's vice-president and provost, confirmed the investigation and Dr. Kishen's leave. He stated the professor "has committed to participating fully" in the probe.

  • Political Response: Toronto Deputy Mayor Mike Colle has called for Premier Doug Ford and the Ministry of Colleges and Universities to fire Dr. Kishen and initiate an independent inquiry into antisemitism at the university. He described the act as "horrible ugly act of antisemitic hate."

University Policies and Past Incidents

This incident occurs against a backdrop of ongoing discussions about antisemitism on university campuses.

  • U of T Policies: The University of Toronto has a Statement on Prohibited Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment, which outlines complaint processes. The university also emphasizes its commitment to academic freedom and freedom of expression.

  • Previous Campus Tensions: In March 2022, over 300 Jewish faculty members at U of T signed an open letter addressing antisemitism on campus, accusing other faculty members of launching an antisemitic attack. This letter was partly in response to claims of anti-Palestinian racism.

  • Broader Context: Similar controversies involving antisemitic cartoons have occurred at other institutions, including Harvard University in February and March 2024, where student groups faced condemnation for sharing such imagery.

Investigation and Next Steps

The investigation into the use of the cartoons is ongoing.

  • Dr. Kishen's Status: He remains on leave until the investigation concludes.

  • University's Position: U of T has stated it is not commenting further on the situation beyond the initial statements.

  • Further Inquiries: The extent of the investigation, whether it was voluntary or requested, and its specific parameters are not fully detailed by university officials.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the University of Toronto Dentistry Dean on leave?
The Dean of Dentistry, Dr. Anil Kishen, is on leave because antisemitic cartoons were used in a lecture. The university is investigating the incident.
Q: What happened in the University of Toronto dentistry lecture?
Antisemitic cartoons were shown in a lecture by Dean Dr. Anil Kishen. The images were meant to explain health concepts but were found to be offensive and discriminatory.
Q: What was the University of Toronto's response to the cartoons?
The university has placed Dean Dr. Anil Kishen on leave while an investigation happens. Dr. Kishen has apologized and is cooperating with the probe.
Q: What do critics want to happen after the U of T cartoon incident?
Some, like Toronto Deputy Mayor Mike Colle, are calling for Dr. Kishen to be fired and for a full review of antisemitism at the university.
Q: Has the University of Toronto dealt with antisemitism before?
Yes, there have been past issues. In 2022, over 300 Jewish faculty members wrote a letter about antisemitism on campus.