Discrimination

Did you know that the university has an obligation to provide a work and learning environment that is free from discrimination and harassment. If you receive a disclosure of discrimination (or any identity-based harm) on a prohibited ground of discrimination, you MUST take it seriously. 

What is Discrimination?

The Canadian Human Rights Act defines discrimination as “an action, behaviour, decision, or omission that treats a person or a group of people unfairly and badly for reasons linked to personal traits, such as their race, age or disability.  These reasons, also called grounds, are protected…” 

According to the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC), discrimination usually includes the following elements: 

  • not individually assessing the unique merits, capacities and circumstances of a person​ 

  • instead, making stereotypical assumptions based on a person’s presumed traits​ 

  • having the impact of excluding persons, denying benefits or imposing burdens. 

Remember:  Discrimination can take place even when the IMPACT was not INTENDED. 

What identities/grounds are code protected?

The Code prohibits actions that discriminate against people based on the following 17 protected grounds:  

Citizenship Sex/Pregnancy
Race Family status
Place of origin Marital status
Ethnic origin Sexual orientation
Colour Gender identity
Ancestry Gender expression
Disability Receipt of public assistance (in housing)
Age Record of offences (in employment)
Creed  

Why provide a discrimination-free campus environment?

Providing a discrimination-free environment is not just 'good to have':  

  • It protects the University against liability: failure to take adequate steps to prevent and address discrimination or harassment could result in the University being sued. 

  • It's the right thing to do:  Providing a just, equitable environment for work and learning fosters leadership, excellence, health, and well-being throughout the University.  The University is committed to decolonization, Indigenization, inclusivity, equity, anti-oppression, and anti-racism.   

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