York University faculty demand resignations over expansion plans

Faculty and staff at York University are calling for the resignations of top leaders due to concerns over a risky expansion plan. The plan includes a new medical school, which critics say is underfunded, and a restructuring effort that they believe is damaging the quality of education. Members of the York University Faculty Association (YUFA) voted nearly unanimously for a non-confidence motion against President Rhonda Lenton, Interim Provost David Peters, and Board Chair Paul Tsaparis. YUFA president Ellie Perkins described the administration's actions as harmful and lacking a clear financial rationale. Only about 12 percent of members participated in the vote, but the result was seen as a strong message for change. At the same time, a group of York senators is challenging the university's recent decision to suspend admissions to 19 programs, claiming it was done unlawfully. They argue that the Senate, responsible for academic affairs, was not consulted. An application for judicial review has been filed in Ontario court, but it has not yet been heard. York University announced last month that it would stop admitting new students to certain programs in languages and the humanities, including Indigenous and women’s studies. The university stated that the programs had low enrolment numbers and needed restructuring to attract students. Critics argued that reducing these programs contradicts the university's values. The university, facing financial difficulties, has projected a $132 million deficit. It cited government underfunding and policy changes as reasons for its challenges. A recent audit found that although York is financially sustainable overall, some faculties are seeing growing deficits. A coalition called York United for Equity and Against Austerity protested on campus against perceived misallocation of resources and the expansion of senior administration at the university. The administration has promised more transparency in future discussions about these issues. Concerns also arose about whether the new medical school will take away funding from existing programs.