January 2001
September 25, 2000
Dear Colleagues:
Many of you have expressed satisfaction and relief that the University
of Toronto and Dr. Chun have reached an agreement whereby, after a prolonged
and public dispute, Dr. Chun will return to a research position, having
withdrawn his allegations and all outstanding litigation. Your support
throughout this difficult period has been greatly appreciated.
I write to you now to clarify some details of both the terms of the
agreement and the university’s reasons for reaching it. Quite simply, the
agreement was offered in response to the 1994 Yip report which found that
Dr. Chun had been exploited in his position as a self funding research
associate. The appropriate remedy has always been a return to research
under the relevant policies of the university. The agreement reached is
consistent in its aim and structure with earlier offers of settlement,
and preserves the university’s integrity in its appointment policies.
That said, I want to make three points. First, this agreement was possible
only because the allegations of racial discrimination were decisively and
conclusively dismissed by the Ontario Human Rights Commission ruling in
July. The Yip report had declared that there was no evidence of racial
discrimination in the searches in question conducted by the physics department.
The decision of the Ontario Human Rights Commission vindicates Dr. Yip’s
report and the physics department. The university’s defence of its members
named in the human rights complaint was vigorous and successful and these
members have been completely exonerated by the process. Nevertheless, these
allegations have been hurtful to a number of individuals and their families
and to the department of physics. I express my deepest regrets to them
as well as my unequivocal support for their good names and reputations.
Second, the research position to which Dr. Chun returns is not a professorial
position in the tenure stream. His primary appointment is pursuant to the
policy on research associates and senior research associates, with adjunct
associate professor status, to enable application for research funds and
possible graduate student supervision. The agreement also provides adequate
time and resources to enable Dr. Chun to recommence his research, again
consistent with the aim of the agreement.
Finally, the agreement provides the basis for a new beginning but that
beginning will require continued effort and support so that the negativism
of the past will not overshadow our future. I am confident that our colleagues
who are directly involved in the reconciliation process will do their very
best to ensure that the University of Toronto distinguishes itself in this
difficult transition period. I thank you for your interest and your continuing
support of this university and its values of academic excellence, freedom
and equitable respect for all.
The draft minutes of my report to Governing Council on this matter on
September 14, 2000 are available on the university website (www.utoronto.ca).
With my very best regards and gratitude.
Robert J. Birgeneau, President, University of Toronto.
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