Toronto Metropolitan University student reaches settlement after allegedly denied access to campus event due to pro-life views

Talia Battista, a pro-life advocate and former student of Ryerson University, now Toronto Metropolitan University, has concluded settlement agreements with the university and its student union following a long-standing Ontario human rights case against the two organizations.

In February 2017, Battista, a second-year business student at then-Ryerson University, tried to attend a “Self-Healing Through Yoga” event on campus for sexual assault survivors. Battista told the National Post she was in an abusive relationship in high school when her partner allegedly raped her.

When Battista approached the Ryerson Students’ Union to inquire about the program, she was barred from attending because of her work with Toronto Against Abortion (TAA), a pro-life group on campus. 

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

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, 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 Battista or otherwise violated her human rights. It denies any liability in relation to Battista’s allegations in the application.

The TMSU’s Operational Policy #28 states, “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.

In the application, Battista alleged discrimination on the basis of her pro-life creed. An interim decision of the tribunal on January 27, 2023 found that Battista had “established that her pro-life stance is a tenet of her creed founded in the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church”.

Battista had legal support through Freedoms Advocate, a registered charity focused 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.”

“I want to thank Freedoms Advocate for providing unwavering support throughout the years, both legal support and moral encouragement” says Battista, adding she hoped people would donate to the charity based in Alberta.

Battista said that Freedoms Advocate, specifically Executive Director Randy Crosson, and his late wife, lawyer Carol Crosson, encouraged her to be courageous and brave.

“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 Battista.