The University of Toronto has placed the dean of its Faculty of Dentistry on leave while an investigation is conducted into the use of antisemitic imagery during a lecture delivered to students. The university confirmed that Dr. Anil Kishen stepped away from his role pending the outcome of the review after concerns were raised about images used in teaching materials presented to second year dentistry students.
According to the Jewish Medical Association of Ontario, which helped bring forward the complaint, a student attending a recent lecture reported the issue after noticing a controversial image during the presentation. The slide reportedly showed a person with the colours of the Palestinian flag painted on their face being strangled by ropes tied to a blue and white flag. A search of the image online shows the original version featuring an Israeli flag on the torso of the figure, although the star of David had been removed in the version shown in the lecture. The image appeared alongside a slide discussing whether strangulation theory occurs in dental pulp.
Additional images from the lecture materials also raised concerns. One slide included a depiction of a hook nosed man swimming in a pool of money while individuals with disabilities were shown below, unable to access the pool. The word immunity appeared on the pool’s edge and the slide’s topic related to immunological modulation. Critics said the imagery echoed antisemitic stereotypes.
Lisa Salaman, president of the Jewish Medical Association of Ontario, said the organization learned that similar material had reportedly been used in the same lecture for several years. She explained that students in previous years may have hesitated to file complaints because they feared their concerns would not be taken seriously or worried about possible repercussions. Salaman noted that the university responded quickly once the complaint was formally raised and said she appreciated that Kishen agreed to take leave while the matter is reviewed.
University of Toronto Vice President and Provost Trevor Young said in a statement that Kishen has committed to cooperating fully with the investigation. According to Young, the dean acknowledged he used the images without recognizing their discriminatory meaning or the harm they could cause to Jewish students, faculty members, and the broader academic environment. Kishen has since removed the images from his course materials and apologized to students and colleagues.
Young also said Kishen has pledged to review his teaching materials more carefully in the future and to improve his understanding of antisemitism and other forms of discrimination. The university stated it will not comment further until the investigation is completed.
Kishen, who joined the University of Toronto in 2009, was appointed dean of the Faculty of Dentistry in April 2025 and began his five year term on July 1 of that year. He is known internationally for his work in oral health nanomedicine and endodontics and has published extensively in those fields.
Jewish advocacy groups say the incident reflects broader concerns about rising antisemitism on university campuses. Salaman said the situation highlights the need for stronger education and awareness programs for university leadership. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs also issued a statement saying all students deserve to learn in an environment free from discrimination and calling for accountability.
Toronto city councillor Mike Colle described the use of antisemitic imagery in an academic lecture as deeply disturbing and urged the provincial government to consider launching an independent review. Ontario’s Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, Nolan Quinn, said the province expects all post secondary institutions to maintain environments that are free from harassment, discrimination, and hate. Quinn added that the government supports the university’s decision to take immediate action while the investigation proceeds.
