What started off with a seeming promise for both sides has aggravated into a human rights claim and a demanded $750,000.
According to official records, Ish Aderonmu, an immigrant from Nigeria to Canada, entered the inaugural class of Ryerson University’s new law program as one of the more prominent faces in a program branded as progressive and rooted in social justice, diversity, equity and inclusion. A promotional material described it as “different kind of law school”.
It was reported that before starting the program in August 2020, Aderonmu went public with his sensational past story and also his desires to get into law and how Ryerson was his choice. His story reportedly made waves, earning him National Magazine Award.
Ryerson had described Aderonmu’s sensational story and how it projected the school as the kind of publicity that cannot be bought. In an email, the university’s president, Mohamed Lachemi wrote: “Ish, we are proud that you are part of our inaugural class at the School of Law. Your story represents so much of what we are trying to achieve, and who we hope to serve. Thank you for choosing Ryerson”.
However, things went sour when Aderonmu, who averred that he is struggling to pay rent let alone pay tuition, noted that he is facing racial discrimination at Ryerson via a program that is inaccessible to a poor Black man.
In his filed application before the tribunal, Aderonmu said the school benefited from publicity around a Black man who had a life experience with the justice system coming into the university. But despite his pleas for help, he said the institution that some people call X University, has done little to help financially, though it had the discretion to do so.
He alleges discrimination, based on race, colour and ancestry, over how the university has allowed him to ‘suffer’ and ‘refused to make their program accessible’ to him.
According to him, the tides turned on after the fledgling law school established its administration and a ‘Bay Street’ focus that he noted conflicts with its justice branding. He believes that his background as a Black convicted drug dealer may have been part of his situation being ignored.
In his complaint, Aderonmu stated that the lack of support replicated for him “the feeling of dehumanization that I felt while I was incarcerated and in the immediate years after. I felt isolated. Voiceless. Worthless. Untrustworthy. I am still at loss for words.
The troubled Aderonmu is now seeking an apology from the university, $750,000 in monetary compensation and a donation of $10,000 to Amadeusz, a not-for-profit that supports young racialized people, which he saw in action in court.
In its reaction in a statement, the university reportedly denied all of Aderonmu’s allegations. It added that it was yet to be served by the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario.
The university promised to respond when it’s served.
The institution stated that it is unable to discuss the personal circumstances of students, including their finances and offers made to them, citing privacy reasons.
In its statement which was obtained by newsmen, Ryerson said the law school “has taken a thoughtful approach to diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to the idea that the potential for law to advance equity and social justice is best enhanced when the legal profession is reflective of the full diversity of society.”
