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“This systemic discrimination and harassment that silences marginalized minority peoples’ voices, such as me as a Racialized Ethical Vegan, is a serious threat towards freedom of speech and freedom of belief,” Ms. Ketenci writes in her complaint to the tribunal.

“I entered the [master’s] program with good intentions, and instead, I was attacked and treated unfairly because of my belief in ethical veganism and because I am a member of a marginalized community, vegan animal rights activists.”

Ryerson declined to comment Monday and has not filed a written response. The complaint has only just been laid. If it is accepted, mediation will precede a hearing.

Correspondence from the school to Ms. Ketenci indicates it views the dispute as an academic matter, exempt from discrimination law.

“There is no positive obligation on the school to expand course work to allow for the inclusion of all creed or faith based discussions,” reads an email from Ryerson’s discrimination and harassment prevention officer.

“If you would like to proceed with a [research project] at this time, you must select a topic that is clearly related to social work practice and/or policy. Your topic must not be related in any way — directly or indirectly, explicitly or implicitly — to animal rights,” reads an email from the interim director of Ryerson’s School of Social Work.

At issue for the tribunal is whether veganism is a “creed,” a broader term than “religion” or “faith” that captures a range of beliefs and spiritualities, but not so broad it includes every political leaning and moral inclination.