The University of Toronto Faculty Association is alarmed to learn that a web site may be under construction that is designed to place under surveillance certain kinds of academic content. Instructors of the potentially targeted courses believe that their autonomy as educators may be under threat. The proposed website has created a climate of fear and intimidation. The UTFA Executive has taken the unprecedented step of asking that the entire Executive meet with the Provost's office to express our deep concern about this threat to our members and to the academic mission of the University. Here is the first paragraph from U of T’s academic mission statement:
The University of Toronto is dedicated to fostering an academic community in which the learning and scholarship of every member may flourish, with vigilant protection for individual human rights, and a resolute commitment to the principles of equal opportunity, equity and justice.