Policies meant to promote diversity and inclusion in institutions like universities, but which fail to counter anti-Semitism, should be reformed, MPs and stakeholders said before a House of Commons committee.
“Many universities have diversity, equity, and inclusive policies that make no reference whatsoever to anti-Semitism, which is shocking,” said Liberal MP Marco Mendicino during a justice committee meeting on May 23. He expressed a concern that “Jewish hatred is running rampant in Canada, in government, in business, in labour, in universities, in schools, in places of worship, in our neighbourhoods, everywhere.”
The committee is currently conducting a study on anti-Semitism and on measures that could be adopted to protect the Jewish community, which has faced increased targeting since the Hamas attack against Israel on Oct. 7 and the subsequent retaliation.
Mr. Mendicino, who previously served as public safety minister, asked the special envoy on combatting anti-Semitism, Deborah Lyons, how campuses could be “safe and inclusive” if DEI policies do not address Jew-hatred.
“There is no question that EDI is failing Jews in this country,” replied Ms. Lyons, using the other acronym for the suite of programs based on postmodern critical theories and identity politics. DEI is being applied across sectors of society to steer internal human resources policies.
“It focuses on a very narrow description of marginalized or racialized or equity-seeking groups and it does not include, it does not address anti-Semitism at all,” said Ms. Lyons.
Ms. Lyons told the committee her work with university administrations has been focused on heads of DEI units.
Professors appearing at the committee also raised concerns about how DEI is being applied in universities, saying it leaves out anti-Semitism as an issue.
Cary Kogan, professor of psychology at the University of Ottawa, said some DEI policies are “using an ideological framework that divides the world in black and white, victimized-victimizer, oppressed-oppressor.” Mr. Kogan said Jews are getting “shoehorned into this framework inappropriately” and recommended the DEI frameworks be “strengthened” to “protect and recognize Jewish experience.”
Dr. Ted Rosenberg, who resigned from the University of British Colombia’s medical school in January claiming anti-Semitism, told the committee he believes there is real discrimination against vulnerable groups, but questioned whether DEI is the answer.
“What I’ve seen in my experience with DEI, it’s been more divisive than uniting people,” he said.
Ms. Lyons said the problem is not confined to universities, but also concerns businesses and governments.
Deputy Tory Leader Melissa Lantsman raised the issue of DEI in the federal government during the committee meeting.
She pointed to a training manual offered by the Treasury Board, which oversees the public service. She said it recommends for further reading a workbook titled “Dismantling Racism,” which reportedly states that “Jews have opted to become white in order to benefit from white supremacy.” The Epoch Times has not reviewed the materials.
“This is the stuff that is cited by the Government of Canada in teaching people about racism,” she said. “The training itself in the Government of Canada is racist.”
The Treasury Board did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Ms. Lyons said much of the training material needs “reworking” and that her office will work with the public service on the matter.
