University of Toronto faculty signed a letter criticizing hate speech against their transgender and black students in light of a fellow professor’s refusal to use “genderless pronouns.”
Approximately 250 faculty members endorsed the letter, implying that psychology Professor Jordan Peterson’s statements are leading to a rise in threats against some of the students, reports Metro News.
“We trust that these impacts on students and others were not your intention in making these remarks,” the letter states. “However, in view of these impacts, as well as the requirements of the Ontario Human Rights Code, we urge you to stop repeating these statements.”
Deborah Cowen, a geography professor, said she signed the letter because some of her transgender students stopped attending class because they did not feel safe.
“These events have made the campus feel unsafe and unwelcoming for some of the most creative and important members of our community,” Cowen declared.
Peterson posted a two-part lecture on YouTube in which he lambasted current political correctness on campuses and criticized Bill C-16, a bill that would outlaw discrimination and harassment based on gender identity and expression. (RELATED: Canadian Professor Launches Attack Against Political Correctness)
Peterson also refused to use gender neutral pronouns if asked by students.
The letter told Peterson that he must start using genderless pronouns if asked and that he needs to stop commenting publicly on the topic.
The letter also claimed that Peterson’s refusal to use gender neutral pronouns could be considered discrimination.
“Your statements that you will refuse to refer to transgendered persons using gender neutral pronouns if they ask you to do so are contrary to the rights of those persons to equal treatment without discrimination based on their ‘gender identity’ and gender expression,” the letter claims.
When asked about the recent threats, Peterson said he “unreservedly condemns” them but would not take back his criticisms.
“But it doesn’t surprise me because it is the fact that such things are happening that was the motivation for me to make the damn videos to begin with,” Peterson said.
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