Read an article in the National Post about this case: Rape survivor reaches settlement with TMU student union after she was barred from event over anti-abortion activism

Talia Battista, a former student of Ryerson University, now Toronto Metropolitan University (the “University”), announces that she has concluded settlement agreements with each of the University and Ryerson Students’ Union operating as Toronto Metropolitan Students’ Union (“TMSU”), in her ongoing Ontario human rights case against the two organizations.

In 2017, Ms. Battista launched a human rights complaint at the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal (the “Tribunal”), alleging she had been discriminated against by the University and TMSU on the basis of her pro-life creed (the “Application”) founded on her religious faith.

Ms. Battista and TMSU concluded their settlement in December, 2024; her settlement with
the University was concluded recently in January, 2025. Both settlements must remain
confidential under the terms of the agreements. Some information can be disclosed as follows. Regarding TMSU, in the Application, Ms. Battista alleged she was wrongfully denied access to
services or events provided by TMSU Equity Service Centres, including Equity Service Centres
for women and trans students, for racialized students, and for students with disabilities.
TMSU denies that it discriminated against Ms. Battista or otherwise violated her human rights.
It admits no liability in relation to Ms. Battista’s allegations in the Application, and further
specifically and expressly denies such liability.

The TMSU’s “Operational Policy #28-‘Pro-Choice Students’ Union” (“Operational Policy #28)
states:

4. “No TMSU resources, space, recognition or funding will be allocated to enhance groups/individuals whose primary/sole purpose is anti-choice activities. Such activities are defined as any campaigns, actions, distribution, solicitation, or lobbying efforts that seek to limit an individual’s right to choose what they can or cannot do with their own body. Further, no TMSU resources, space, or recognition or funding will be allocated to enhance groups/individuals who are members of or directly affiliated with external organizations with the primary/sole purpose of anti-choice activities.”

The TMSU has agreed to repeal Operational Policy #28 which will be replaced with a new “Issues Policy” that reflects TMSU’s strong commitment to remaining a pro-choice students’ union. The TMSU will be modifying existing, or adopted new policies, which further strengthen its commitment to a discrimination-free and harassment-free campus, in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code.

The TMSU will conduct human rights training for all TMSU employees, staff, and board members; this training will include training on discrimination on the basis of creed and the interface between creed and an individual’s pro-life beliefs.

Releases of Liability have been exchanged by the parties.

Both parties are pleased to avoid further costs and the inconvenience of ongoing legal proceedings through their settlement agreement.

Regarding the University, in the Application, Ms. Battista had alleged discrimination on the basis of her pro-life creed, and an interim decision of the Tribunal on January 27, 2023 found that Ms. Battista had “established that her pro-life stance is a tenet of her creed founded in the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church”.

“I want to thank Freedoms Advocate for providing unwavering support throughout the years, both legal support and moral encouragement” says Ms. Battista. 

Freedoms Advocate is a registered charity focussed on protecting human rights, including defending against government entities who would threaten the liberty and constitutional freedoms of Canadians. The organization also states that it supports and defends “faith, family, and freedom.”

Ms. Battista said that Freedoms Advocate, specifically Executive Director Randy Crosson, and his late wife, lawyer Carol Crosson, encouraged her to be courageous and brave. Ms. Battista said she encouraged Canadians to donate to Freedoms Advocate to help others in need who may be fighting censorship or discrimination on their university campus or generally find their
constitutional freedoms being infringed by government entities.

“I also want to thank all of the individuals who have supported me and my family throughout the years, through your encouragement, financial support, and your prayers,” said Ms. Battista.