For decades, Ryerson University stood as one of Toronto’s most recognizable post-secondary institutions. Its name was synonymous with innovation, diversity, and hands-on learning.
Yet, in 2022, the university made headlines with a bold decision: it would shed its historic name and rebrand as Toronto Metropolitan University. The move sparked passionate debate across Canada and drew international attention.
Why did such a longstanding institution choose to change its name? The answer reveals a powerful intersection of social justice, reconciliation, and evolving values within higher education.
I want to take you through the full story of Ryerson’s name change, explore the reasons behind it, and examine what this means for students, alumni, and the broader community. Understanding the motivations and implications of this transformation isn’t just about one school—it’s a lens into how Canadian society is reckoning with its past and shaping its future.
The Legacy of Egerton Ryerson
To understand why Ryerson University changed its name, we need to look back at the history of its namesake, Egerton Ryerson. He was a prominent 19th-century educator and Methodist minister who played a pivotal role in shaping Ontario’s public school system.
For decades, his name was linked to progress in education.
However, Egerton Ryerson’s legacy is complex. While he helped create a public education system, his work and ideas also influenced the development of Canada’s residential school system.
These institutions forcibly removed Indigenous children from their families and communities, causing generations of trauma.
- Egerton Ryerson: Founder of Ontario’s public education system
- Residential schools: Institutions with a legacy of harm, especially for Indigenous peoples
- Historical context: 19th-century ideas viewed differently by today’s standards
Ryerson’s Educational Philosophy
Ryerson believed in accessible education for all, which was innovative for his era. Yet, his support for policies that led to the creation of residential schools can’t be ignored.
“The truth is that Egerton Ryerson’s ideas were used to justify a system that inflicted deep harm on Indigenous peoples. Recognizing this is essential for reconciliation.”
His contributions are now seen through a more critical lens. We have to ask: how do we honor educational progress without ignoring historical wrongs?
The Call for Change: Reconciliation and Social Responsibility
The movement to change the university’s name was rooted in a growing recognition of the need for reconciliation with Indigenous communities. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada issued calls to action, urging institutions to confront painful histories and make meaningful changes.
Students, faculty, alumni, and Indigenous leaders began to question whether it was appropriate for a modern, diverse university to continue honoring a figure linked to residential schools. Their voices grew louder, especially after the discovery of unmarked graves at former residential school sites in 2021.
- TRC Calls to Action: Guidelines for addressing historical injustices
- Student activism: Protests, petitions, and open letters demanding change
- Public pressure: Amplified by media coverage and social media campaigns
Community Engagement and Debate
Discussions about the name change were spirited and sometimes divisive. Some felt the name was a vital part of the university’s identity, while others saw it as a barrier to inclusion and healing.
Leaders facilitated open forums and listening sessions, inviting all stakeholders to share their perspectives. The process underscored the importance of community-driven decision-making in addressing sensitive issues.
“Changing the name is not about erasing history, but about creating a space where everyone feels they belong.”
The Decision-Making Process
Ryerson University’s leadership recognized that a name change would be a significant undertaking. The university established the Standing Strong (Mash Koh Wee Kah Pooh Win) Task Force, composed of staff, students, alumni, and Indigenous representatives.
Their mission: conduct a thorough review and provide recommendations.
The task force undertook months of consultations, research, and listening to the community. They weighed the cultural and financial implications, the impact on alumni, and potential names for the institution.
- Standing Strong Task Force: Led the consultation and review process
- Community feedback: Gathered through surveys, town halls, and written submissions
- Transparency: Regular updates and public reports on progress
Evaluating the Options
The task force presented their report in August 2021, recommending a name change and a suite of other actions to promote inclusion and reconciliation. The university’s Board of Governors accepted the recommendations, setting the stage for the historic shift.
| Action | Outcome |
| Consultation | Engaged 11,000+ stakeholders |
| Report Publication | 77 recommendations, including renaming |
| Board Vote | Unanimous approval for change |
Implementing the recommendations became a defining moment for the university, signaling its willingness to evolve and listen to its community.
Why “Toronto Metropolitan University”?
The choice of the new name was intentional. “Toronto Metropolitan University” was selected after extensive input from students, alumni, faculty, and community partners.
The name reflects the school’s urban location and its commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and progress.
Unlike the previous name, the new title does not honor a single individual. Instead, it focuses on the collective identity of the university and its relationship to the city of Toronto—a global hub of culture and opportunity.
- Toronto: Emphasizes the university’s deep ties to the city
- Metropolitan: Highlights diversity, modernity, and openness
- University: Maintains continuity in academic branding
Symbolism of the New Name
The name “Toronto Metropolitan University” signals a fresh start while honoring the institution’s roots in Canada’s largest city. It also aligns with the school’s mission to prepare students for an interconnected, urban world.
“Our new name is a reflection of who we are: bold, diverse, and committed to progress.”
In choosing a place-based name, the university joins others around the world that have adopted titles reflecting their geographic and civic identities.
Impact on Students, Alumni, and the Broader Community
The name change has had a ripple effect throughout the university community and beyond. For many students and alumni, it has prompted reflection on their own connections to the institution.
Some felt a sense of loss at the end of the Ryerson era, while others welcomed the new identity as a step forward in building a more inclusive campus. The university worked proactively to communicate with stakeholders and minimize confusion.
- Diplomas and records: Transitioned to reflect the new name, with options for alumni
- Branding and signage: Updated across campus and online platforms
- Global recognition: Efforts to maintain a strong reputation during the transition
Ongoing Dialogue and Support
The university continues to foster open conversations about the change, offering counseling and support for those who need it. They’ve also provided resources for alumni navigating questions about their credentials.
Real-world impacts have included new partnerships, increased student engagement in social justice, and a renewed sense of pride among many community members. Alumni have reflected on the evolution of the institution, much like fans exploring the transformation of popular characters, as seen in discussions about Disney Cars names or the meaning behind Rey’s last name in Star Wars.
Challenges and Criticisms
Not everyone supported the name change. Some critics argued that it was unnecessary, costly, or an attempt to erase history.
Others worried about the impact on the university’s reputation and the value of Ryerson-branded degrees.
Financial considerations were also significant. Updating branding, signage, digital assets, and legal documents came with a price tag.
The university had to balance these costs against the ethical imperative for change.
- Financial costs: Estimated in the millions for full rebranding
- Alumni concerns: Fear of diminished prestige for degrees
- Historical preservation: Calls to educate rather than erase
Addressing the Concerns
University leaders responded by emphasizing transparency, offering detailed reports on expenditures, and involving alumni in ongoing discussions. They also invested in educational resources to ensure the story of Egerton Ryerson and the university’s past would not be forgotten.
“It’s about acknowledging history honestly, not rewriting it. We can remember the past while striving for a more inclusive future.”
Such debates mirror those in other fields—whether it’s chemistry, where names like C5O2 are explained, or entertainment, where the origins behind Steve’s last name in Minecraft are discussed. The underlying question is how names shape identity and memory.
The Broader Movement: Reconsidering Names in Society
Ryerson’s decision is part of a larger trend in Canada and around the world. Institutions, sports teams, and even entire cities are reconsidering names that honor controversial figures or outdated ideas.
This movement reflects a growing awareness of the power of names to shape our understanding of history and community. It’s about more than just words—it’s a commitment to values like inclusion, respect, and accountability.
- Reconciliation: Addressing colonial legacies in public spaces
- Representation: Ensuring all community members feel seen and valued
- Evolution: Adapting names as society’s values change
Global and Local Examples
Universities across North America have faced similar questions and made comparable changes. In Toronto, streets, schools, and other institutions have also been renamed to honor Indigenous leaders or reflect contemporary values.
Just as fans debate the bird’s name in The Lion King or the evolving meaning of common everyday items, so too do cities and schools revisit the significance of their names over time.
Lessons Learned and the Way Forward
The renaming of Ryerson University offers important lessons for other organizations considering similar changes. It demonstrates the value of genuine community engagement, open dialogue, and thoughtful leadership.
By prioritizing reconciliation and inclusion, Toronto Metropolitan University has positioned itself as a leader in social responsibility. The process wasn’t easy, but it set a precedent for how institutions can evolve to meet the needs of a changing society.
- Community-driven change: Ensures legitimacy and long-term support
- Transparency: Builds trust and accountability
- Education: Use change as an opportunity to teach about history
Ongoing Commitments
The university continues to invest in Indigenous education, equity initiatives, and partnerships with local communities. The renaming is just one step on a longer journey toward justice and reconciliation.
“We are committed to making our campus a place where every student, staff member, and visitor feels respected and valued.”
Other institutions can learn from this example, adapting these best practices to their own contexts and challenges.
Conclusion: A Name Change with Lasting Impact
The transformation from Ryerson University to Toronto Metropolitan University is more than a rebranding exercise. It is a reflection of a profound shift in how we engage with history, identity, and the pursuit of justice within higher education and beyond.
By choosing to change its name, the university acknowledged the pain and legacy associated with Egerton Ryerson and committed itself to a new, more inclusive future. This decision required courage, vision, and a willingness to listen to diverse voices.
It sends a message to current and future generations: our institutions can evolve, and our identities are not fixed, but shaped by the values we uphold.
The story of this name change offers inspiration for anyone grappling with questions of legacy and transformation—whether you’re a student, an alum, or simply someone interested in the power of names. As we see in other areas, from characters’ identities in pop culture to the meaning and process of choosing a new name, the names we use matter deeply.
Toronto Metropolitan University’s journey is a testament to the ongoing work of building communities where everyone belongs—and where history is faced, not forgotten, as we move forward together.
