UofT dean of dentistry resigns following investigation into antisemitic course materials - Toronto Star

Anil Kishen’s resignation as dean is voluntary and “reflects his acceptance of the university’s sanction,” UofT’s vice-president said.

Anil Kishen has voluntarily stepped down as dean of dentistry at the University of Toronto following an external investigation into his use of antisemitic material during a lecture earlier this year. 

The University of Toronto’s dean of dentistry, who distributed course materials containing antisemitic and anti-Israeli imagery, is stepping down immediately following findings from an external investigation.

Anil Kishen, appointed head of the faculty of dentistry last year for a five-year term, is departing the position after a probe concluded two images he used in his lecture materials earlier this year were antisemitic.

In Thursday’s announcement, Trevor Young, UofT’s vice-president and provost, said the university found Kishen “did not intend to promote antisemitism, and he had limited knowledge about antisemitic imagery and tropes associated with Jewish people when he included the images.”

Young added that Kishen recognizes his use of the illustrations was “very painful to many members of the community” and the professor has since undergone training to learn about antisemitism.

Kishen’s resignation as dean is voluntary and, according to Young, “reflects his acceptance of the university’s sanction.” Young added that Kishen “is sincerely regretful for his actions and lack of cultural awareness.”

Kishen, a world-renowned innovator in endodontics, had been on leave pending the outcome of the investigation. He will remain a tenured faculty member at the university and will return to full duties in the next academic year.

University of Toronto launched a probe after materials shared by Anil Kishen contained anti-Israeli and antisemitic imagery. He has apologized.