Politicians criticize York siding with student who snubbed working with women

OTTAWA – A chorus of federal politicians say a Toronto university went too far when it sided with a student who asked not to work with women for religious reasons.

York University sociology professor Paul Grayson originally rejected the student’s request to skip a group project, but his position was overturned by administrators.

Justice Minister Peter MacKay says having men and women attend school together was precisely what Canada fought to accomplish when it sent soldiers to Afghanistan.

Conservative MP Mark Adler, whose riding is adjacent to York, says such sexism has no place in Canadian society.

NDP Leader Tom Mulcair agrees that a university should not be accommodating such a demand.

Liberal MP Judy Sgro, whose riding includes the university, calls the request for segregation ridiculous and says Grayson made the right decision.