OCAD U is committed to supporting equity, diversity, inclusion and the dignity of all people. We promote equity and inclusion in our learning and work environment and in the conduct of the University’s affairs, including by promoting an inclusive and respectful working and learning environment, free from harassment, discrimination and bullying. 

OCAD U will not tolerate harassment, discrimination or bullying against any member of the University community and will not condone behaviour that undermines the dignity, self-esteem or productivity of any of its members. Harassment and discrimination violate an individual’s human rights and this conduct runs contrary to the University’s fundamental values. OCAD U will endeavor to ensure that individuals who believe that they have been subjected to, or witnessed, harassment, discrimination or bullying are able to express concerns, make complaints and seek advice and assistance without fear of reprisal.

You can learn more in OCAD U’s Respectful Work and Learning Environment Policy.

If you would like file a complaint, you can email Jennifer Robinson, OCAD U’s Dean of Students, at jrobinson@ocadu.ca

OCAD U faculty and staff who would like to make a complaint, please contact the People & Culture office at people@ocadu.ca.

Responding to Hate and Racism  
 

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? 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.  

This webpage/centralized platform highlights information and supports available to OCAD U community members who have concerns about racism or hate. Through this webpage/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.  


OCAD U’s Institutional Commitment to Anti-Racism and Anti-Hate  
 

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. 


Legal Framework 
 

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.  

 

Respectful Work and Learning Environment Policy  
 

The Respectful Work and Learning Environment Policy (RWLEP) is OCAD U’s human rights policy. Under the Code, every person has the right to be free from discrimination and harassment that is based on creed (religion) and/or the intersection with other grounds of discrimination (e.g., race, ethnicity, place of origin).  

The 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.  

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. 

 

Who does the RWLEP apply to?  
 

The RWLEP applies to all members of the University community engaged in University related activities, including students, faculty, post-doctoral fellows, contractors, visitors (including guest speakers) and employees of the University. 

 

What to do if you or any member of our OCAD U community are experiencing racism, hate, discrimination, harassment or bullying?  
 

  • Seek Assistance 

    Students should contact Jennifer Robinson, OCAD U Dean of Students at jrobinson@ocadu.ca and faculty and staff should contact the People & Culture office at people@ocadu.ca
     

  • Community Directly  

    You may choose to address your concerns directly, or with the support of a friend or colleague.  
     

  • Learn more about available RWLEP supports  

    The following supports are available when students and employees are addressing a concern or complaint under the RWLEP: 
     

    • File a Formal RWLEP Complaint 

      Information on filing a human rights complaint is available in the RWLEP, pages 11-14.  A formal complaint may be made when the parties have not reached an agreeable resolution or when the complainant wishes to have their concerns addressed through the complaint process. This may involve a review by an external fact-finder and may result in individual and/or systemic remedies to address the concern. 
       

    • 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 President 
      416-977-6000, Ext. 4365 
      jhiguereynunez@ocadu.ca


      The Ontario College of Art and Design Faculty Association  
      OCADFA Executive Director 
      greniers@ocadu.ca