“It is not the university’s role to take ideological positions but rather to create an environment that encourages dialogue, mutual respect, and the pursuit of knowledge,” he wrote.

“As the first major Canadian university to embrace access, community, and belonging, we are leading the way in reimagining how universities can foster excellence, open inquiry and rigorous debate.”

He said the decision came after “extensive consultations” with more than 1,000 community members.

He added that for some, the language of DEI had become “polarizing,” and focused “more on what divides us rather than our shared humanity.”