An investigation into a dispute between Dr. Kin-Yip Chun and the University of Toronto by an independent committee of inquiry has found serious violations of academic procedures and evidence of systemic discrimination and harassment.
     
The committee was appointed in June 2003, at the instigation of CAUT, to investigate alleged discrimination against Chun at the university.
     
A settlement has been reached in the dispute, but CAUT president Greg Allain said universities and colleges across the country can learn from the inquiry findings released last month.
     
“The discriminatory and unfair treatment of Dr. Chun must not be allowed to happen again. Universities and colleges have to do a lot more to promote diversity on campus, combat systemic discrimination, and ensure that allegations of racism are dealt with fairly and expeditiously,” he said.
     
Chun, a UofT research scientist and associate professor of physics, first raised concerns about unequal treatment after he was turned down on two occasions for a permanent position in the university’s physics department. After unsuccessful third and fourth competitions, he alleged he was a victim of systemic discrimination. He was later subject to various forms of harassment that jeopardized his academic career.
     
“The committee report concluded there were serious irregularities in each case and that systemic discrimination was the underlying factor,” Allain said.
     
The 70-page report will be reviewed by CAUT Council in April. Allain said Council will explore ways to urge universities and colleges to comply with the report’s recommendations.

The report of the independent inquiry is available online at www.chuninquiry.ca.