Report Warns of Rising Anti-Palestinian Racism in Canadian Institutions

Report Warns of Rising Anti-Palestinian Racism in Canadian Institutions
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Public and private institutions in Canada are punishing individuals for speaking out against Israel’s war in Gaza, linking Palestinian culture with terrorism, according to a report released by York University’s Islamophobia Research Hub, The Canadian Press reported. The study urges all levels of government to recognize anti-Palestinian racism and implement training to address it.

The report cites cases of students, educators, and professionals facing investigations or disciplinary actions—often later overturned—for expressing pro-Palestinian views or displaying cultural symbols such as the kaffiyeh. Examples include the temporary suspension of University of Ottawa physician Dr. Yipeng Ge over social media posts.

Advocates say such measures create a “Palestine exception” in diversity and inclusion policies, silencing Palestinian voices. Ottawa’s anti-Islamophobia representative Amira Elghawaby warned that weak responses to anti-Muslim hate risk emboldening violence. The report also calls for action against foreign interference, citing Meta’s findings of anti-Muslim narratives allegedly originating from Israel—claims the Israeli government denies.

Some corporate responses to the Gaza crisis were also criticized for overlooking Palestinian suffering. While some MPs back official recognition of anti-Palestinian racism, Conservative lawmakers argue it could shield calls for Israel’s destruction and complicate anti-hate efforts.