The former Ryerson University has officially changed its name to Toronto Metropolitan University.
The school’s board of directors voted last August to change the school’s name due to concerns about the person after whom the institution was named and his links to Canadian housing schools.
Egerton Ryerson is considered one of the main architects of the housing school system, and in recent years staff and students have called for the university to change its name.
“I can’t think of a better name than Toronto Metropolitan University,” President and Vice Chancellor Mohamed Lachemi said in a statement. “The Metropolitan is a reflection of what we have always been – a city institution dedicated to excellence, innovation and inclusion and what our goals are – a place where everyone feels welcome, seen, presented and celebrated.
The change was made as part of 22 recommendations made by the Standing Strong University Working Group (Mash Koh Wee Kah Pooh Win).
Truth and reconciliation were a key priority for the school in considering a new name, the school said in a press release, adding that staff are committed to implementing all of the working group’s recommendations.
A statue of Egerton Ryerson, one of the architects of the housing school system, lies on the grounds of the university after it was removed in June 2021 (Evan Mitsui / CBC)
The group’s 22 recommendations include renaming the institution, sharing Eggerton Ryerson’s legacy recognition materials, and providing more opportunities to learn about indigenous history and indigenous colonial relations.
“This is a very important moment in the history of our university as we move forward with a name that better reflects our values and can lead us into the future,” Lahemi said.
The statue of Egerton Ryerson, which once stood on the school’s campus, was torn down last year amid unmarked graves on the site of former residential schools.
A day later, hundreds of professors and other teachers at the school signed a letter asking the university to change its name.
Add Comment