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

The Dean of Dentistry at the University of Toronto has been placed on leave after using offensive cartoons in a lecture. This follows concerns raised by several groups about antisemitism on campus.
By Newsroom | Education, Social Issues |

The dean of the University of Toronto's Faculty of Dentistry is on leave following the use of two cartoons widely described as antisemitic in a student lecture. The images, presented during a lesson on tooth health concepts, have triggered an investigation by the university and calls for accountability from various groups. The situation has intensified concerns about antisemitism on Canadian university campuses.

Background and Timeline

The controversy surfaced recently when images from a lecture by Dean Anil Kishen began circulating. B'nai Brith Canada, Canadian Women Against Antisemitism, and the Centre for Israeli and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) were among the groups to publicly voice concerns and demand action. The University of Toronto confirmed that an investigation was underway and that Dean Kishen had been placed on leave pending its conclusion. The images were reportedly removed from course materials, and Dean Kishen has issued an apology.

Read More: Noida School Bus Locks UKG Student for 7 Hours on Thursday

Details of the Incident

Two specific illustrations have drawn criticism:

  • One depicted a figure incorporating the Israeli flag, shown tightly bound and appearing to strangle a head bearing the colors of the Palestinian flag. This image was used to explain the concept of "strangulation theory."

  • The second cartoon showed a man with a prominent nose immersed in money labeled "immunity," presented in the context of "immunological modulation." This image has been identified as a well-known antisemitic trope historically used to dehumanize Jewish people.

Dean Kishen reportedly stated that he used the images without fully appreciating their antisemitic meanings and their negative impact on Jewish colleagues and students, as well as the broader learning environment. He has committed to greater diligence in reviewing course materials and improving his understanding of antisemitism and other forms of discrimination.

Reactions and Concerns

  • Jewish student groups and advocates have expressed that this incident reinforces a sense of hostility and fear within university settings. They argue that universities should be safe spaces for all students to learn without experiencing discrimination.

  • B'nai Brith Canada has called for accountability, stating that academic freedom should not be used to excuse such actions.

  • The Centre for Israeli and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) has offered to engage constructively with the university to ensure meaningful change.

  • Canadian Women Against Antisemitism highlighted the specific trope used in one cartoon, emphasizing its historical context.

  • The Canadian Centre for Educating & Defending Civil Liberties (CAEF) has called the use of the images "ghoulish" and gratuitous propaganda, not academic freedom. They also noted a perceived history of the university passively tolerating antisemitism.

University's Response

The University of Toronto has confirmed that Dean Anil Kishen is on leave while a thorough investigation is conducted. Trevor Young, U of T’s vice-president and provost, stated that Kishen acknowledged using the images without understanding their harmful implications. The university has committed to supporting an inclusive and respectful learning environment and to improving awareness of discrimination.

Wider Context

This incident occurs against a backdrop of increased concerns about anti-Jewish sentiment and rhetoric on Canadian university campuses. Reports from Jewish students and medical professionals indicate they have experienced daily discrimination and a hostile learning environment in some academic settings.

Read More: Minnesota Somali Community Faces Hidden Female Genital Mutilation Challenge

Expert Analysis

"For Jewish students already navigating an increasingly hostile campus climate across Canada, this incident reinforces a painful message — that antisemitism and extreme anti-Zionist rhetoric can permeate our university classrooms." - Josh Landau, Director of Government Relations for Ontario at the Centre for Israeli and Jewish Affairs.

"This is not academic freedom; it's gratuitous propaganda." - Andria Spindel, Executive Director, CAEF, referring to the use of the images.

Findings and Next Steps

The University of Toronto is investigating its Dean of Dentistry, Anil Kishen, following the use of antisemitic cartoons in a student lecture. Dean Kishen is on leave during this process. He has apologized and stated he did not grasp the offensive nature of the images. The university has committed to reviewing its materials and promoting a more inclusive environment. The investigation's outcome is pending.

Sources Used:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the University of Toronto's Dentistry Dean Anil Kishen on leave?
Dean Anil Kishen is on leave because two cartoons described as antisemitic were used in a student lecture. The university is investigating the incident.
Q: What were the cartoons used in the U of T Dentistry lecture?
One cartoon showed a figure with Israeli and Palestinian flags, used to explain 'strangulation theory.' The second cartoon showed a man with money, a known antisemitic trope, used for 'immunological modulation.'
Q: What has Dean Anil Kishen said about the cartoons?
Dean Kishen has apologized, stating he used the images without fully understanding their antisemitic meanings and negative impact. He has committed to better understanding discrimination.
Q: What is the University of Toronto's response to the incident?
The university confirmed Dean Anil Kishen is on leave during an investigation. They are committed to a respectful learning environment and improving awareness of discrimination.
Q: Why are groups like B'nai Brith Canada concerned about this U of T incident?
Groups are concerned because the incident reinforces fears of hostility and discrimination on campuses. They argue that academic freedom should not excuse such actions.