Ontario universities are gutting their acting and dramatic arts programs, and the excuse is money. Due to a cap on international student permits—slashed by 35% in 2024 and set for another 10% cut in 2025—schools claim they can no longer afford to keep these programs alive. International student tuition has been a major funding source, making up 68% of all tuition revenue at 24 public Ontario colleges in 2021. Now, instead of finding real solutions, institutions are cutting the heart out of our education system—our creativity, our voices, and our stories. Centennial College has already axed 14 creative arts programs for the 2025 and 2026 academic years, and others are following suit. This isn’t just a budget issue—it’s an outright dismissal of the arts and their undeniable value to society. Similarly, York University suspended programs in Indigenous and gender studies, highlighting the broader impact of budget cuts on cultural and arts education. These measures underscore a systemic underfunding issue within Ontario's post-secondary education system, exacerbated by the recent decline in international student enrolment.

We, the undersigned, stand united against the alarming suspension of acting and dramatic arts programs in Ontario's universities. These programs are the lifeblood of our cultural identity, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and community engagement. Their elimination not only stifles artistic expression but also undermines the diverse narratives that enrich our society. We urge policymakers and educational institutions to recognize the irreplaceable value of the arts and to take immediate action to restore and protect these essential programs for current and future generations.