Dear President Woodin,

University of Toronto Professor Ruth Marshall’s comments regarding the untimely and tragic death of Charlie Kirk were despicable, repugnant, and have brought great shame to your prestigious institution.

It is wholly unbecoming of a member of the University of Toronto faculty to engage in inflammatory and hateful comments, and sets a dangerous precedent about civil discourse in an evolved, modern society. To celebrate political violence as though we live in a degenerate medieval society is both disgusting and profoundly dangerous. Such rhetoric cannot stand.

I urge the University of Toronto to take a serious and unequivocal stand against professors who engage in this type of grave speech. Words matter, and when they come from positions of authority, their impact is magnified.

We expect to see decisive and meaningful consequences for Professor Marshall including but not limited to severe academic sanctions and dismissal. It is incumbent on you to send a message that this kind of speech will not be tolerated in a civil society.

Thank you.

cc: Hon. Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security

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