The administration of York University (Toronto, Canada) recently announced that they are suspending admissions to the Religious Studies program. This is devastating news, especially as suspending admissions can lead to much more drastic steps being taken, including closing programs.
We at the EIR firmly believe that the study of religion is an integral component of higher education, which gives students valuable training in a range of areas. This includes skills which are valuable in the professional world, as well as perspectives which help students become well-informed citizens of a global community. The action of suspending admissions, at one of Canada’s largest universities, is a gravely concerning development. To express our disappointment with this decision, the EIR has submitted a letter to the York University administration.
Faculty members of the Religious Studies Program at York have produced a letter to university administration. The letter can be read in full here. We encourage all of our members to read this letter, which highlights both the value of this program, as well as the unreasonable actions of the administration. The last paragraph of this letter calls for others to stand in solidarity and respond to York’s decision, and includes information on where to address letters of protest or support. The EIR encourages all of our members to offer whatever support they are able to in solidarity with our colleagues at York.