‘No white men allowed’: Row over Toronto University only hiring professors on basis of ‘gender identity’

A hiring process at the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) has stirred a row after critics claimed that the job advert bars "white men" from applying.

The Department of Biological Sciences is hiring a professor in Computational Biology and Data Science. The job includes a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair.

The job posting states that “selection will be limited to candidates who identify as members of one or more of the four federally‑designated groups: women and gender minorities, racialized persons/visible minorities, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities.”

All applicants are required to self‑identify as belonging to at least one of these groups in their cover letter.

The requirements follow provisions for special programs under the Ontario Human Rights Commission and are part of UTSC’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan.

Critics on social media reacted to the job ad, saying “no white men allowed.” Supporters say the rules are meant to fix under‑representation among Canada Research Chairs and meet government equity requirements.

The successful candidate must hold a PhD in a relevant field and have at least two years of postdoctoral training with a record of excellence in research and teaching.

The successful professor will be expected to pursue interdisciplinary research, build a competitive externally funded programme, and contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching.

The university says it is committed to creating a welcoming scientific community where everyone feels supported, and the appointment will contribute to this mission. Salaries for the position range from $138,000 to $153,000 CAD per year, with the possibility of higher compensation for exceptional candidates.