In June, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science, University of Toronto, as part of the Faculty’s Academic Plan, announced the disestablishment of the Centre for Comparative Literature effective July 1, 2011. The subsequent outpouring of protest has had an effect and the status of the Academic Plan has changed:
The Centre for Comparative Literature will maintain its status as an independent unit.
This is good news for all who value the opportunities for comparative and interdisciplinary work in literature that the Centre enables. We thank everyone who has joined us in this fight; it has truly been an international effort and the support from all of you has made this outcome possible.
In the News: “U of T abandons plan to close famed school” by Joe Friesen, Globe and Mail; “Academic ‘crisis’ averted” by Carson Jerema, Maclean’s On Campus; “A Reprieve is Possible for Frye Centre at U. of Toronto” by Karen Birchard, Chronicle of Higher Education: “U of T to save Northrop Frye-founded centre” CBC.ca
However, there is still reason to be concerned. The lack of consultation and the original unwillingness to explain or negotiate on the part of the administration are unacceptable and the fear is that arbitrary and unilateral decisions may still be taken at any time. Ongoing discussion and information is available on the Academic Plan website.
Check out links to the relevant memos, FAQs, etc. under the “Manifestos” section.
Sign our petition at: http://www.petitiononline.com/complit/petition.html
