York University, Religious Accommodation, And The Absence Of Bright Lines

York University caused much controversy earlier this month by agreeing that a male student was not required to meet with female class members in connection with a group project. While the male student's reason for the request was apparently based on a religious belief,¹ the university's decision was based on the fact that the course was advertised to be an online course with no in-person participation required; as such, the student was not required to participate in any way in the group project.

Notwithstanding this explanation, a furor erupted over York University's decision. Justice Minister Peter MacKay commented that "This is what we've tried to combat in places like Afghanistan". A Globe and Mail columnist declared "I expected this back in Iran, not at York University". The professor at the heart of the matter – who originally refused the student's request – said that to accommodate would make the university an "accessory to sexism".