The University of Toronto says its dean of dentistry will be stepping down immediately, following an investigation into his use of antisemitic imagery in February.
In a statement released Thursday, Trevor Young, the university’s vice-president and provost, says Anil Kishen voluntarily resigned as dean of the faculty of dentistry.
The investigation found that Kishen did not intend to promote antisemitism and had limited knowledge of the images’ history. The review also found that community members were divided on Kishen’s actions and apology.
“Some community members accepted Dr. Kishen’s immediate apology, while others were deeply hurt by the use of the images,” Young said.
Jewish advocacy organization B’nai Brith Canada shared images on social media earlier this year of what it said was the antisemitic lecture materials Kishen showed in the classroom. The images include an illustration of a figure wrapped in an Israeli flag and rope while holding its head, which was painted in the colours of the Palestinian flag.
This image appeared next to a mention of “strangulation theory” associated with dental pulp.
Another image shows a man with a hooked nose swimming in a well of money which also displayed the word “immunity.”
“(Kishen) knows his usage of them has been very painful to many members of the community,” Young said. “He recognizes that many community members have lost confidence in his ability to continue to lead the faculty of dentistry.”
Young says Kishen has committed to learning more about antisemitism and has already undergone training to continue his “cultural education.”
He will remain at the university as a tenured faculty member and will return to his full duties in the 2027-28 academic year.
The university says acting dean Laura Tam will continue in her role as they look for a new head of faculty. Kishen went on leave earlier this year during the school’s investigation.
