Centre for Feminist Research Statement on the Suspension of Admissions to the School of Gender, Sexuality & Women’s Studies at York University
February 24, 2025
The Centre for Feminist Research (CFR) at York University expresses deep concern over the recent decision by York’s senior administration to suspend first-year admissions to the School of Gender, Sexuality & Women’s Studies (SGSWS) without prior consultation with faculty, students, or affected communities. This decision, made without transparency or meaningful dialogue, raises significant issues regarding the university's commitment to educational integrity and shared governance.
York University administrators have framed this decision as a necessary step for program sustainability, citing financial constraints and low enrollment. However, their response overlooks the fundamental issue of chronic underfunding in post-secondary education and the disproportionate impact these suspensions have on equity-focused programs. The administration’s claim that these suspensions are temporary fails to account for the long-term damage caused when programs lose the ability to recruit new students, leading to a decline in course offerings and faculty positions. Moreover, reducing GSWS to elective courses rather than sustaining it as a standalone program undermines its academic integrity and social importance.
The School of Gender, Sexuality & Women’s Studies is internationally recognized for its critical contributions to feminist, queer, trans, and anti-racist scholarship. It plays a vital role in fostering research, policy engagement, and community partnerships that advance equity and social justice. The abrupt suspension of admissions disrupts this important work and creates uncertainty for faculty, students, and staff who are deeply invested in these academic and activist commitments.
The Importance of Gender, Sexuality & Women’s Studies as a Standalone Degree
A dedicated program in GSWS is not merely an academic specialization—it is an essential field of study that equips students with the critical thinking skills needed to analyze and address some of the most pressing social issues of our time. In an era of increasing gender-based violence, rising attacks on 2SLGBTQ+ rights, and persistent social and economic inequalities, the study of gender and sexuality is crucial for producing informed, engaged citizens who can advocate for change across multiple sectors, including education, policy, healthcare, law, and community activism.
A standalone GSWS degree provides students with specialized training in intersectional analysis, equipping them to understand how gender, sexuality, race, class, disability, and other axes of identity shape lived experiences and structures of power. Unlike gender-focused minors or interdisciplinary courses embedded in other programs, a dedicated GSWS program ensures that feminist and queer scholarship is not marginalized, diluted, or treated as a secondary concern. The decision to suspend admissions risks sidelining a discipline that is fundamental to social justice efforts locally and globally.
Concerns Over Faculty Expertise and Academic Freedom
This decision mirrors the recent suspension of admissions to the Indigenous Studies program and other departments across the university. The lack of consultation with faculty—who are experts in their fields and responsible for curriculum and program development—raises serious concerns about academic governance. Such actions disregard faculty expertise by sidelining those best positioned to assess the program’s sustainability and development. Moreover, it sets a concerning precedent for academic freedom, allowing administrative decision-making to override the intellectual and pedagogical direction of programs without input from those who teach and research in these areas.
The Broader Crisis of Underfunding in Post-Secondary Education
We acknowledge that these challenges are symptomatic of broader systemic issues, particularly chronic underfunding of post-secondary education. The Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) has criticized York University's top-down approach to program suspensions, emphasizing the administration's responsibility to uphold principles of openness, transparency, and the duty to consult. CAUT’s Executive Director, David Robinson, stated, "York's failure to consult with faculty about program suspensions raises serious concerns about the administration's commitment to educational integrity and its academic staff." Robinson also urged the provincial government to ensure proper funding for universities and colleges, noting that "Ontario's universities and colleges have the lowest level of funding per student of any province." (caut.ca)
Furthermore, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) has called for bold investments in post-secondary education, urging political parties to make long-term commitments to protect and elevate Ontario’s post-secondary education system. OCC President and CEO, Daniel Tisch, stated, "Ontario must aspire to have the best-funded post-secondary education system in Canada—not the worst." (occ.ca)
A Call to Action
We stand in solidarity with our colleagues in Indigenous Studies and all affected departments. We urge York’s administration to engage in meaningful dialogue with faculty, students, and the broader community to explore solutions that preserve the integrity and accessibility of these programs. We also call upon the provincial government to address the systemic underfunding of post-secondary education, which has precipitated such crises.
If you would like to share your concerns about this decision, please contact:
- President Rhonda Lenton: president@yorku.ca
- Provost David Peters: provost@yorku.ca
- Dean JJ McMurtry: deanlaps@yorku.ca
- Consultant Lisa Phillipps: lphillipps@osgoode.yorku.ca
Please consider CC’ing the York University Faculty Association (yufa@yorku.ca), which is actively working to address these suspensions.
Signed,
The Centre for Feminist Research
York University
Toronto, ON