Survivor of Sexual Assault Makes Settlement with TMU Student Union Following Exclusion from Event Due to Pro-Life Advocacy
A former Toronto Metropolitan University student and rape survivor who was allegedly denied entry to an on-campus event for victims of sexual assault because of her anti-abortion beliefs has reached settlements with both the school and its student union.
Second-year business student Talia Battista filed a complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario after being denied access to an event for sexual assault survivors in February of 2017, a decision she claims was influenced by her pro-life advocacy.
Battista settled with the Toronto Metropolitan Students’ Union in December and with the university in January.
The student union has agreed to repeal a policy that previously prevented anti-abortion students from using campus resources, as stated in a recent statement by Freedoms Advocate, an organization that supported Battista throughout the complaint process.
Complaint Resolution
Battista decided to file a complaint after being denied entry to a “Self-Healing Through Yoga” event on the Toronto Metropolitan University campus (then Ryerson University). The event was for survivors of sexual assault, but she was not allowed to attend due to her involvement with Toronto Against Abortion (TAA) and her anti-abortion stance.
Speaking at the Canadian Religious Freedom Summit, Battista recalled, “I was told that, because I shared my pro-life beliefs, even though I wouldn’t discuss them at the event, it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to seek healing there.”
The complaint alleged discrimination against Battista based on her pro-life views rooted in her religious beliefs.
The Epoch Times reached out to the university and the student union for comment but did not receive a response by publication time.
The student union denied violating Battista’s rights and refuted all claims of discrimination, according to Freedoms Advocate.
An interim decision by the tribunal on Jan. 27, 2023, acknowledged that Battista’s pro-life stance was a core aspect of her religious creed based on Roman Catholic teachings.
The union has agreed to revoke Operational Policy #28, which limited resources for anti-choice activities, and pledged to replace it with an “issues policy” reflecting a pro-choice stance.
In addition, the student union committed to creating or amending policies to ensure a discrimination-free and harassment-free environment. This includes providing human rights training to employees, staff, and board members on discrimination based on creed as well as the relationship between creed and pro-life beliefs.
Battista expressed gratitude toward Freedoms Advocate and supporters for their assistance.
Pro-Life Groups Respond
The executive director of Freedoms Advocate, Randy Crosson, noted the emotional toll the case took on Battista for seven years and commended the successful settlement that addressed her concerns. He emphasized the importance of universities upholding fairness and justice for all students.
TAA founder Blaise Alleyne was encouraged by the resolution and praised Battista’s persistence in challenging discriminatory policies. He highlighted the repeal of the policy denying recognition to pro-life clubs on campus as a positive outcome.
Adam Sinclair, president of TMU Against Abortion, welcomed the settlement, citing previous experiences of hostility towards pro-life students on campus. He hoped the agreement would foster an inclusive environment for pro-life students within the TMU community.
