Amid controversy, Ryerson University changes name to Toronto Metropolitan University
The previous Ryerson College has formally modified its identify to Toronto Metropolitan College.
The college’s board of administrators voted final August to vary the faculty’s identify over issues in regards to the man the establishment had been named for and his hyperlinks to Canada’s residential colleges.
Egerton Ryerson is taken into account one of many main architects of the residential faculty system and, in recent times, employees and college students had been calling for the college to vary its identify.
“I can not consider a greater identify than Toronto Metropolitan College,” stated President and Vice-Chancellor Mohamed Lachemi, in an announcement. “Metropolitan is a mirrored image of who we’ve all the time been — an city establishment devoted to excellence, innovation, and inclusion and who we goal to be — a spot the place all really feel welcome, seen, represented and celebrated.”
The change was made as a part of 22 suggestions made by the college’s Standing Sturdy (Mash Koh Wee Kah Pooh Win) Activity Pressure.
Fact and Reconciliation was a key precedence for the college in contemplating a brand new identify, the college stated in a information launch, including that officers are dedicated to implementing the entire process power’s suggestions.
The group’s 22 suggestions included renaming the establishment, sharing supplies to acknowledge the legacy of Egerton Ryerson and offering extra alternatives to find out about Indigenous historical past and Indigenous-colonial relations.
“It is a essential second in our college’s historical past as we transfer ahead with a reputation that higher displays our values and may take us into the long run,” stated Lachemi.
The statue of Egerton Ryerson that when stood on the college’s campus was toppled earlier this 12 months, amid the invention of unmarked grave websites on the grounds of former residential colleges.
