On the crisis in Iran

I’m writing to echo yesterday’s message from President Gertler—and to echo, too, a sadness and rage felt across our university community.    

We condemn the detainment and killing of Mahsa Amini; the systematic repression of women’s rights; and the violations against protesters committed by Iranian police and government, including against students at Iranian universities.      

I’m also writing to share a message of solidarity and care, especially for members of our community from and with ties to Iran—and to emphasize what U of T can do in support.      

As Vice-President Kelly Hannah-Moffat said last week, we’ll continue to support protests and vigils on our campuses, like that held in honour of Mahsa Amini’s memory at U of T’s Multi-Faith Centre.      

We’ll keep working with government partners, as President Gertler said yesterday, to support students in Iran seeking refuge or asylum in Canada who want to continue their studies at U of T. 

And U of T will provide bursaries to asylum-seeking students through our Scholars at Risk Program, matching program donations up to $1M, and offer needs-based awards to Iranian international students admitted to U of T through the Iranian Student Memorial Scholarship Fund.      

Meanwhile, there are personal and mental health resources for all U of T students through MySSP anytime, where you can request to talk with an Iranian or Farsi-speaking counsellor. For faculty, staff, and librarians, there’s EFAP, available 24 hours-a-day, 365 days-a-year.      

I hope that our UTM community will show the same commitment to help. Let’s work to be thoughtful and kind in all our relations—and to be steadfast in defense of the freedom of expression, and unwavering in a commitment to women’s rights as human rights.

Yours truly,

Alexandra Gillespie
Vice-President and Principal
University of Toronto Mississauga