Hate and Racism
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OCAD U is committed to an inclusive, safe and respectful environment for all members of our community and is committed to taking appropriate steps to address racism, hate, discrimination, harassment and bullying.
Have you experienced or witnessed racism, hate, discrimination, harassment or bullying at OCAD University? Are you seeking information as to what constitutes hate and racism or how to report your concerns?
This centralized platform highlights information and supports available to OCAD U community members who have concerns about racism or hate. Through this centralized platform, you will learn about OCAD U’s initiatives and policies to promote campus safety, anti-racism and anti-hate and the processes to report instances of racism, hate, discrimination harassment or bullying.
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You may submit this form anonymously or on behalf of another individual. Note - without identifying the affected individual(s), OCAD U may be unable to follow-up to provide support or initiate a formal review of the alleged concerns. All submissions are reviewed and the information provided, including anonymous concerns, contribute to the University’s broader efforts to monitor trends, identify systemic issues and foster a respectful and safe learning and work environment.
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All other complaints – Please email Jennifer Robinson,
OCAD U’s Dean of Students at jrobinson@ocadu.ca
OCAD U’s institutional commitment to anti-racism and anti-hate
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OCAD University is committed to supporting equity, diversity, inclusion and the dignity of all people. The University will not tolerate racism, hate and discrimination, including anti-Indigenous racism, anti-Black racism, anti-Asian racism, antisemitism and Islamophobia. Hate and discrimination violate an individual’s human rights and this conduct runs contrary to the University’s fundamental values.
The University recognizes that it has a duty to act in a manner consistent with the Ontario Human Rights Code (the “Code”), the Occupational Health and Safety Act (“OHSA”), the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (the “AODA”) and related legislation (such as Bill 166, Strengthening Accountability and Student Supports Act, 2024) and these laws are reflected in the University’s policies.
OCAD U will act promptly to address all forms of discrimination, harassment and bullying over which the University has jurisdiction to address the conduct and will ensure that all members of our OCAD U community are able to express concerns and report complaints without fear of reprisal. The Respectful Work and Learning Environment Policy (RWLEP) sets out expectations for all members of the University community and the processes for how concerns and complaints of racism, hate, harassment, discrimination and bullying are addressed.
For immediate security assistance or emergencies
416-977-6000 ext. 511
For non-emergency security inquiries
416-977-6000 ext. 366
Anti-racism and anti-hate provisions are embedded into a range of existing policies and processes. In addition to the Respectful Work and Learning Environment Policy, the following policies and processes demonstrate our commitment to address and combat racism and hate.
Response to Violent or Threatening Behaviour Policy (RVTBP)
This Policy provides a mechanism for the reporting, assessing and addressing of concerns of violent or threatening behaviour, or potentially violent or threatening behaviour, in the University’s work and learning environment.
Non-Academic Misconduct Policy (NAMP)
This Policy is intended to guide students regarding behaviour which the University considers to be appropriate, to outline procedures to respond to inappropriate behaviour and to indicate the possible corrective action, including sanctions, for such behaviour.
Policy on Prevention and Response to Sexual and Gender-based Violence
This Policy provides Members of the University Community with information to help them respond effectively to an incident of Sexual Violence. This Policy ensures that Members who Disclose or make a Complaint about an incident of Sexual Violence are supported, treated with sensitivity and compassion and that the University will accommodate their needs appropriate to the situation including taking survivor-directed action.
Ccomplaints of Sexual Harassment, as defined by the University’s Respectful Work & Learning Environment Policy, against any Member of the University Community may be made directly to the University’s Office of Diversity, Equity & Sustainability Initiatives (ODESI) under the terms of the Respectful Work & Learning Environment Policy.
Policy on Freedom of Expression
As a University dedicated to intellectual inquiry and debate, OCAD University is committed to upholding academic freedom and freedom of expression for all members of the University community. The Policy on Freedom of Expression applies to all members of the University Community, including faculty, students, staff, management and guests.
Universities are places for open discussion and free inquiry, and this is especially true of a university dedicated to art and design. Members of the University community may debate and contest different views, but they may not obstruct or interfere with the freedom of expression of others.
The Respectful Work and Learning Environment Policy (RWLEP) reinforces the freedom of expression, stating that:
The University recognizes the importance of certain rights and freedoms at a university dedicated to intellectual inquiry and creative practice. The University is committed to upholding all fundamental human rights, including freedom of association, freedom of conscience, opinion and belief, and freedom of thought, inquiry, artistic and creative expression. Nothing in this policy is to be interpreted, administered or applied in a way that infringes upon academic freedom... The University has a commitment to academic freedom and freedom of thought, inquiry and expression which may result in respectful disagreements about beliefs and principles.
This provides members of the University community with wide latitude to debate and contest different views, including views with which some may strongly disagree.
Limits of freedom of expression
All rights inherently come with responsibilities. The right to freedom of expression comes with the responsibility to confront all forms of discrimination. This understanding of balancing rights and freedoms is in keeping with Canada’s domestic and international legal obligations and is reflected in OCAD U’s Policy on Freedom of Expression which notes that freedom of expression provisions must be read together with the responsibility under the RWLEP to establish, contribute to, and maintain, a discrimination-free environment. The RWLEP mandates action by the University community that is consistent with the Code and reinforces that in exercising freedom of expression, all members of the university community are required to respect the rights and freedoms of others, including the right to freedom from discrimination, harassment and bullying.
Human rights law determines the limits on speech
Determining the right balance between freedom of expression and the right to be free from discrimination is an active process and human rights law is important in determining this balance. Human rights law provides a legal framework for determining when expression within the University has crossed a line, from legitimate dialogue and debate to discrimination and harassment.
The RWLEP provides a mechanism for all members of the OCAD U community to raise concerns and complaints when they believe that expression amounts to harassment and discrimination. At any time, members of the University community can contact ODESI to confidentially ask a question, raise a concern or seek assistance in addressing an issue under the RWLEP, including determining whether speech would amount to harassment, discrimination, or a poisoned environment under the RWLEP.
Dean of Students Office (students)
The Dean of Students is available for consultation on difficult situations and can advise on resolution options, including through university policies. The Dean of Students also provides conflict resolution support for students experiencing conflict with peers or others on campus. The Dean of Students can be reached at jrobinson@ocadu.ca.
OCAD U Student Union (students)
The Manager of Advocacy Services at the OCAD U Student Union provides advocacy and support services to all students at OCAD U. This is a confidential service that provides students with support and guidance when dealing with difficult situations on campus, which may include bullying, discrimination, harassment, or sexual harassment.
Indigenous Student Centre (students)
The Indigenous Student Centre offers a welcoming environment with a wide range of specialized services to support the academic, cultural, social and emotional well-being of Indigenous students at OCAD University. The Indigenous Student Success Coordinator can assist students in navigating University policies and processes and provide referrals to community resources.
Student Wellness Centre (students)
The Student Wellness Centre (SWC) is a central point of access for student accessibility, counselling, sexual violence, peer support program, art therapy and health programs and services. The services are accessible and responsive to issues relating to gender, race, age, culture, ability, sexual orientation, income and faith. Also available is a list of community health resources and crisis support for students.
Office of Diversity, Equity and Sustainability Initiatives (students and employees)
The Office of Diversity, Equity and Sustainability Initiatives (ODESI) is the dedicated office to addressing and eliminating racism in all its forms within the OCAD U community. ODESI delivers institution-wide education and training to build the capacity of staff, faculty and leadership. Online, in-person, and customized training sessions are offered on a range of topics to build the capacity of employees to employ anti oppression principles in their work and in the organizational culture of OCAD U.
People & Culture Office (employees)
At any time, you can contact People & Culture to ask a question, raise a concern or seek assistance on how to address a workplace concern. Your confidentiality is protected. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides resources and supports for work-related issues, as well as personal matters including: emotional well-being, elder care, parenting & childcare, finances, health & wellness and legal matters.
External recourse
At any time, you can also seek legal advice or exercise your legal rights by contacting the following:
Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario
416-326-1312 or 1-866-598-0322
TTY: 1-866-607-1240 or 416-326-2027
www.hrto.ca
Ontario Ombudsman
416-586-3300 or 1-800-263-1830
TTY: 1-866-411-4211
https://www.ombudsman.on.ca
Ontario Public Service Employees Union Local 576
OPSEU Acting President
president@opseulocal576.org
The Ontario College of Art and Design Faculty Association
OCADFA Executive Director
greniers@ocadu.ca
The University, through the Office of Diversity, Equity and Sustainability Initiatives, will report annually to its Board of Governors on the implementation and effectiveness of its anti-racism and anti-hate policies and rules. The annual report will be made publicly available on this webpage and submitted to the Minister by January 31st of each year, beginning January 31, 2026.