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UTGSU News

June 16, 2025

Statement of Support for Students Affected by the Iran-Israel Conflict

Dear University of Toronto Graduate Student Community,

As the Executive Committee of the University of Toronto Graduate Students’ Union, we write with deep concern and solidarity regarding the escalating conflict involving Iran and Israel and the profound impact it is having on our student community, particularly our Iranian students who have reached out to us seeking support during this crisis.

To our Iranian students and all those affected by this crisis: we see you, we hear you, and we stand with you during this incredibly difficult time. While we have primarily heard from Iranian students who have reached out to share their concerns, we recognize that students from various backgrounds, including Israeli students, may be experiencing distress related to this conflict. Your courage in continuing your academic work while facing such personal turmoil is a testament to your resilience, and we want you to know that you are not alone in this struggle.

We understand that many of you may be struggling to concentrate on your studies, research, or teaching responsibilities while your hearts and minds are with your loved ones. We also know that contacting family and friends in Iran has become increasingly challenging due to widespread internet outages and communication disruptions, adding another layer of anxiety and helplessness to an already overwhelming situation. It is important to recognize that most of these affected students are international students, which compounds the difficulty of their situation: being far from home during a crisis, navigating complex visa and travel restrictions, and lacking the immediate family support systems that domestic students may have access to. The emotional and mental toll of watching your country and community under attack, while being unable to easily reach your loved ones, cannot be overstated, and we recognize the unique burden this places on students who are far from home.

A Call for Understanding and Accommodation

We call upon all university departments, supervisors, professors, and staff to extend compassion and flexibility to Iranian and other affected students during this time. We urge faculty members to:

We recognize that our Iranian students and all affected students contribute immensely to the intellectual and cultural richness of our university community. During this crisis, it is our collective responsibility to ensure they feel supported and valued.

Support Resources Available

For all UTGSU members impacted by this crisis, we genuinely want to be a source of support for you. If you are facing academic challenges, personal struggles, or need advocacy related to this situation, please know that we are here to listen, support, and advocate for you. Please reach out to us without hesitation at info@utgsu.ca.

Additionally, the following resources are available:

Immediate Support:

Additional Mental Health Resources:

Academic Support:

Our Commitment and Advocacy

The UTGSU is actively working on your behalf to ensure you receive the support and understanding you need during this crisis. We are reaching out directly to academic departments across the university and the Centre for International Experience at UofT to advocate for accommodations, flexibility, and enhanced support services for Iranian and other affected students. We are committed to ensuring that institutional policies and practices reflect the urgent need for compassion during these extraordinary circumstances.

The UTGSU remains committed to fostering an environment where all students can thrive, regardless of their background or the global circumstances affecting their communities. We will continue to monitor this situation and advocate for the needs of our Iranian students and all those impacted by international conflicts.

We encourage all members of our community to extend kindness, understanding, and solidarity to their Iranian colleagues and any others who may be affected during this time. Simple gestures of support and recognition can make an enormous difference to someone who may be struggling in isolation.

To our Iranian students and all those impacted by this conflict: your presence at this university matters, your contributions are valued, and your wellbeing is our priority. We are here for you, and we will continue to advocate for your needs throughout this difficult period.

In solidarity and support,

Executive Committee
University of Toronto Graduate Students’ Union (UTGSU)

For immediate support or to discuss specific accommodations, please contact us at info@utgsu.ca. We welcome your input on how we can better serve our community during this challenging time.