TMU receives final report of external review by retired Chief Justice J. Michael MacDonald
TMU has received the final report from retired Chief Justice J. Michael MacDonald, who was appointed an independent expert in response to an open letter to the Lincoln Alexander School of Law’s administration.
In November 2023, Toronto Metropolitan University appointed retired Chief Justice J. Michael MacDonald as external reviewer in response to an open letter to the Lincoln Alexander School of Law’s administration.
As an institution dedicated to equity, diversity and inclusion as well as one dedicated to freedom of speech and academic freedom, TMU engaged retired Justice J. Michael MacDonald as an independent expert to undertake a thorough, judicious review of the open letter. More specifically, Mr. MacDonald was tasked with determining whether the letter breached the Student Code of Non-Academic Conduct (Policy 61) and, if so, what remedies and actions were appropriate.
External review complete
Mr. MacDonald has completed his very thorough review and submitted his final report to the university, which is available to the community. The university accepts all recommendations as outlined in the report.
The university understands that the contents of the report and the findings will not be satisfactory to all community members, and may be upsetting to many. In reviewing this report and absorbing its contents we would like to remind our community that resources are available for those who may find the content challenging and in need of supports to manage their well-being:
- Students can access well-being services and support through the Centre for Student Development and Counselling.
- Student Care offers support to students navigating a variety of complex factors, including financial and academic as well as physical and mental health challenges. Students are encouraged to connect with them at studentcare@torontomu.ca
- Faculty and staff members can connect with the Employee and Family Assistance Program for counselling and other supports.
Toronto Metropolitan University extends sincere appreciation to Mr. MacDonald and his team, and to all of the students, faculty, staff, community members, and the many external individuals and organizations who contributed their time, energy and perspectives to the review process.
TMU will continue to focus on sustaining an environment where all of our community members feel welcome and can continue to focus on teaching, learning, scholarly and creative research, and delivering a positive university experience for all.