In an April 11 open letter published in La Presse, a group of Jewish professors from Quebec’s CEGEPs and universities called for the resignation of Higher Education Minister Pascale Déry. They claim her investigation into campus climates at Dawson and Vanier Colleges—initiated in response to confidential reports of antisemitism—threatens academic freedom and seeks to silence pro-Palestinian voices. These are serious accusations, but the reasoning behind them raises significant concerns.

The letter objects to Déry’s use of confidential student complaints that bypassed “ordinary channels.” Yet confidentiality is often necessary—particularly when students fear retaliation or believe campus authorities may ignore their concerns. The idea that only public complaints are legitimate dismisses the lived reality of many Jewish students, who often feel unsafe expressing their identities or speaking out.

The authors also point to Déry’s past service on the board of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) as compromising her impartiality. But transparency about one’s background does not disqualify legitimate action. CIJA’s advocacy on antisemitism does not invalidate the issue itself. Jewish students have reported repeated incidents of intimidation and marginalization on campuses in Quebec and beyond. Addressing these concerns is not evidence of bias—it is part of the minister’s duty.

The letter’s most provocative claim is that Déry’s actions aim to “silence Palestinian voices” and “stifle........

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