Dear fellow dentists,
Please see below. At a time when leadership all over the world is eroding, as dentists and healthcare professionals, we have the elevated duty and responsibility to maintain trust in our society. Many University of Toronto Alumni have spoken up and are proud that the university has taken definitive action. We are confident in their process as it is transparent and has been decisive. The ODA, unfortunately, has not held the standards that we all as dentists aspire to. This is a plea from the majority to the minority to do the right thing and look to Canada’s oldest dental institution for what responsible governance looks like
Sent on behalf of Acting Dean Tam
To alumni & friends,
I’m writing in my capacity as Acting Dean through the end of April, to inform you that Dean Anil Kishen is currently on leave – you can find a letter from him below. The University of Toronto has launched an investigation into the recent incident and Dr. Kishen has committed to participating fully.
The University and the Faculty take this matter very seriously. We know that this incident has negatively impacted U of T community members and others in the broader community.
This is a difficult time in our Faculty and community. We will update you as we navigate next steps. We remain committed to providing an inclusive and respectful learning environment for all. In the meantime, updates regarding the University’s work to address antisemitism are available here, and information regarding available supports for students and employees may be found at the University’s EDI in a Global Context website.
Sincerely,
Laura Tam
Acting Dean
A note from Anil Kishen
I became aware that two cartoon images that I included in a recent lecture contained discriminatory imagery. I selected these images as visual analogies for two concepts. I was not trying to make any political statements with these images. I say this not as an excuse for this mistake. I recognize that this has caused a great deal of harm, and I am deeply sorry.
I am going on leave immediately, pending the outcome of an investigation of this matter. I am committed to participating fully in this process, and to doing all I can to foster an inclusive and respectful learning environment at the Faculty of Dentistry.
As soon this matter was brought to my attention, I removed the images from the online material and directly contacted students in the class to acknowledge the issue, apologize unreservedly, and affirm that I will be more thoughtful in selecting images for my courses in the future.
I condemn antisemitism and discrimination in all their forms. I am also committed to improving my own understanding and awareness of antisemitism and other forms of discrimination, including how they may present themselves in the learning environment. I will work to repair the damage my actions have caused.
Please know that I am deeply sorry for the pain that this has caused for my students, the Faculty, and the broader community.
Anil Kishen
One Response
Isn’t there an independent investigation regarding this matter going on right now? Seems like the ODA is doing its due diligence.
Also, there is a massive difference between posting strong personal opinions on a private social media page under a pseudonym, and covertly inserting political propaganda into lecture material presented to unsuspecting second year dental students – and when called out stating that “he didn’t know.” How can you possibly compare the two? I hope we are all reasonably intelligent enough to differentiate between them.