Create a Toronto safe haven for international Harvard students
The Issue
Recent politically-motivated developments affecting international students at Harvard University spark deep concern academic freedom and about the treatment of international students.
Canada has taken commendable actions in the past to assist individuals facing adversities. During one of America's darkest periods, Canada became a beacon of hope for African Americans fleeing slavery. Canada provided asylum to those resisting the Vietnam War. More recently, during the tragic events of 9/11, Canada opened its arms to air traffic passengers stranded due to US airspace shutdowns. These actions demonstrate Canada’s capacity for empathy and leadership on the global stage.
Now, we request that the Canadian Government and the Governing Council of the University of Toronto to extend similar compassion and leadership. We propose the fast-tracked creation of a Harvard Toronto campus for Harvard University international students affected by current obstacles to continue their education in Toronto.
Rather than trying to "steal" Harvard students, this should be done in the same spirit as the temporary declaration of extraterritoriality by the Canadian government of the Ottawa Civic Hospital for the birth of Princess Margriet of the Netherlands. While fascism threatened Europe, Canada provided a temporary safe haven that respected her country's traditions and culture.
This gesture will underscore Canada’s commitment to academic freedom and fairness, and will provide a crucial educational lifeline to these students who have found their lives upended.
Such an initiative will require collaboration between the Canadian Government, the Government of Ontario, the University of Toronto, and Harvard University.
Providing educational continuity to these students not only supports the students but enhances cultural and academic diversity in our own institutions.
Your signature can make a difference. Support this endeavor to uphold the values of academic freedom and educational fairness. Sign this petition and advocate for an educational sanctuary in Canada for international students seeking to complete their Harvard university studies.
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The Issue
Recent politically-motivated developments affecting international students at Harvard University spark deep concern academic freedom and about the treatment of international students.
Canada has taken commendable actions in the past to assist individuals facing adversities. During one of America's darkest periods, Canada became a beacon of hope for African Americans fleeing slavery. Canada provided asylum to those resisting the Vietnam War. More recently, during the tragic events of 9/11, Canada opened its arms to air traffic passengers stranded due to US airspace shutdowns. These actions demonstrate Canada’s capacity for empathy and leadership on the global stage.
Now, we request that the Canadian Government and the Governing Council of the University of Toronto to extend similar compassion and leadership. We propose the fast-tracked creation of a Harvard Toronto campus for Harvard University international students affected by current obstacles to continue their education in Toronto.
Rather than trying to "steal" Harvard students, this should be done in the same spirit as the temporary declaration of extraterritoriality by the Canadian government of the Ottawa Civic Hospital for the birth of Princess Margriet of the Netherlands. While fascism threatened Europe, Canada provided a temporary safe haven that respected her country's traditions and culture.
This gesture will underscore Canada’s commitment to academic freedom and fairness, and will provide a crucial educational lifeline to these students who have found their lives upended.
Such an initiative will require collaboration between the Canadian Government, the Government of Ontario, the University of Toronto, and Harvard University.
Providing educational continuity to these students not only supports the students but enhances cultural and academic diversity in our own institutions.
Your signature can make a difference. Support this endeavor to uphold the values of academic freedom and educational fairness. Sign this petition and advocate for an educational sanctuary in Canada for international students seeking to complete their Harvard university studies.
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Petition created on 28 May 2025