York University professors challenge admissions suspension decision

Professors at York University are challenging the school’s decision to pause admissions for 18 undergraduate programs. This decision affects programs such as Indigenous studies, gender studies, and environmental biology, starting in the fall of 2025. The group consists of four university senators and a member from the academic planning and research committee. They have filed a request in the Ontario Superior Court. They want the court to order York University to reverse its admissions suspension and to engage in a proper process before making such decisions. The professors argue that the university's senate should have a say in academic matters. They believe suspending admissions requires the senate’s approval and oversight. In response, a spokesperson for York University stated that they are reviewing the judicial application. The university acknowledged low enrollment in many of these programs but emphasized the importance of their "intellectual value." They plan to support faculty in updating these programs to attract more students in the future.