January 25. On this date in 2001, the Ontario Human Rights Commission asked its Board of Inquiry to investigate a case of alleged discrimination against the University of Toronto. "Dr. Benjamin Todd Lawson believes he was denied a permanent tenured position with the Department of Middle East and Islamic Studies because he's a member of the Baha'i faith."

 

January 25. On this date in 2001, the Ontario Human Rights Commission asked its Board of Inquiry to investigate a case of alleged discrimination against the University of Toronto. "Dr. Benjamin Todd Lawson believes he was denied a permanent tenured position with the Department of Middle East and Islamic Studies because he's a member of the Baha'i faith."

Ontario Human Rights Commission to investigate discrimination case against U of T

The Ontario Human Rights Commission has asked the Board of Inquiry to investigate a case of alleged discrimination involving a former contract professor at the University of Toronto.

Dr. Benjamin Todd Lawson believes he was denied a permanent tenured position with the Department of Middle East and Islamic Studies because he's a member of the Baha'i faith.

His lawyer says he was passed over for two positions at the university in the early 1990s, even though he met the qualifications.

The university says it did not discriminate against Lawson.

Lawson says he feels vindicated by the commission's decision to appoint a board of inquiry.