Update on the 100 McCaul St. yellow staircase

The yellow staircase in 100 McCaul St. is a unique feature of our campus where artistic expression and spirited debate take place. 

That said, the stairwell has recently been used to promote disrespectful and harmful messages targeting members of our community. 

As a University, OCAD U fosters an environment that supports freedom of expression and speech. This includes civil debate about complex issues that have a diversity of perspectives. These debates, discussions and expressions must always abide by our policies and the law and cannot target individuals or identifiable groups.

Graffiti and posters that cross these lines, including instances of antisemitism, have been and will continue to be, investigated and removed.  

Recently, some large sections of the stairwell were repainted due to content that violated our standards. Due to the overlapping nature of the messages and drawings, the removal of some content that is not problematic is unavoidable, but it is not the University’s intention to censor or remove material that is not in violation of our standards.

OCAD U is developing a clear set of community guidelines and principles for the management of the yellow staircase that will clarify the process going forward to cultivate a creative and respectful space. The University will consult with members of the community before these new guidelines are implemented. 

Please know that we take the safety and security of our students and the broader community seriously. Discrimination in all forms is completely against the values of OCAD University. We are committed to maintaining an environment that is free from hate, discrimination and violence, and condemn all celebrations of violence. Threats and harassment will not be tolerated. 

We understand that this is a very distressing time for our students, faculty and staff. We acknowledge the concerns we have been hearing. We continue to implore everyone to exercise kindness, respect and compassion for our University’s diverse communities and perspectives.

If you have a concern with something you see in the stairwell, do not paint or write over it yourself. Please contact OCAD U’s Safety and Security team at the desk in the 100 McCaul St. lobby or call 416-977-6000, Ext. 366.