University presidents defend efforts to combat antisemitism on campus

The presidents of four Canadian universities defended their institutions' efforts to combat antisemitism on their campuses Monday after months of claims that Jewish students have suffered from threats and discrimination.

«Sadly, the lived experience of some members of our community has been tarnished by real and perceived acts of contempt, intolerance and hate,» Graham Carr, president and vice-chancellor of Concordia University, told a committee of MPs.

«Yes, tensions exist at Concordia but there has also been a remarkable calm. This does not mean that all is well,» Carr added. «That's why our commitment to combating antisemitism and all forms of hate is ongoing.»

Carr said an event on campus in November which saw an argument between two groups of students with opposing views on the war in Gaza turn violent gave his university «a black eye.»

«That incident… raised legitimate questions about how we both uphold our values and ensure a safe environment for everyone,» he said.

Carr cited a second campus incident in March which saw Jewish students in the Hillel Concordia club room targeted by pro-Palestinian protesters. No students have been expelled or suspended over either incident, but three people have been banned from campus, he said.

Carr told MPs that in April the university launched a task force on racism and identity-based violence that will deliver «actionable recommendations» in the near future.

Conservative MP Melissa Lantsman pressed Carr to explain why no one has been expelled or suspended in connection with these events. She accused university officials of «abdicating their responsibility for keeping Jewish students safe on campus.»

«I find that the testimony here today that says that we're working on it and