The Toronto Metropolitan Students’ Union (TMSU) is writing to inform our members that
we have engaged Emily Lam as an independent investigator to conduct a thorough
review of complaints we have received concerning alleged policy violations by TMSU-
recognized student groups.
Over the course of the Fall 2025 semester, TMSU received complaints related to two
TMSU-recognized groups: Students Supporting Israel (SSI) and Students for Justice in
Palestine – Toronto Metropolitan University (SJP TMU). This includes complaints
regarding an off-campus event that occurred on November 5, 2025.
Although these student groups are not directly governed or overseen by TMSU, as
TMSU-recognized groups they are expected to adhere to TMSU policies; failure to
abide by TMSU policies can result in sanctions up to and including revocation of TMSU recognition.
Given the seriousness of these allegations, the complexity of the issues involved, and
our commitment to procedural fairness, TMSU determined that an independent external
investigation was warranted.
Ms. Lam will review relevant documentation, interview complainants, respondents, and
witnesses, and prepare a written report outlining her factual findings and conclusions
regarding whether any TMSU policies have been breached.
We take all complaints regarding TMSU-recognized student groups seriously.
The events of this semester have affected members of our community deeply, and we
are committed to ensuring a fair, thorough, and impartial process for all involved.
Engaging an independent investigator with Ms. Lam’s experience and credentials
ensures that all students receive the due process they deserve.
We will provide further updates as appropriate while respecting the confidentiality of the
investigation process. We ask that all members of the TMU community refrain from
conduct that could interfere with the integrity of the investigation.
About Emily Lam
Emily Lam is a lawyer and the principal of Emily Lam Law. She is frequently retained to
conduct sensitive and high-profile investigations for a range of organizations. She
received her Juris Doctor from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University and was
called to the Bar in Ontario in 2008. She is the co-founder of the Sentencing and Parole
Project, a not-for-profit organization that advocates for informed, culturally appropriate
sentencing and parole decisions, and of the Group of Racialized Ontario Women
Litigators (GROWL).
Resources and Support Available to Community Members
We recognize that the events giving rise to this investigation have been difficult for many students.
Community members who may need support are encouraged to access the following resources:
– Students can access well-being services and support through TMU’s Centre for
Student Development and Counselling.
– Student Care offers support to students navigating complex challenges, including
those affecting mental health. Students are encouraged to connect at
studentcare@torontomu.ca.
– For concerns about safety, students are encouraged to reach out to TMU’s
Community Safety and Security team at security@torontomu.ca or 416-979-
5040. Personal safety planning is also available through
community.engagement@torontomu.ca.
– Additional crisis supports include the Gerstein Centre Crisis Line at 416-929-
5200, Good2Talk at 1-866-925-5454, and Keep.meSAFE at 1-844-451-9700.
– TMSU’s equity centres remain available to provide peer support.