An Anti-Racism and Anti-Hate Hub for everyone
The HRO has launched the Anti-racism and anti-hate Hub, a platform that serves as a one-stop shop for relevant resources, policies and procedures. The Hub informs members of the University community of their rights and of the steps to take when racism or hate occurs on campus.
鈥淲e want to ensure that our professors, employees, students and visitors have ready access to the options at their disposal,鈥 said Marie-Claude Gagnon, who is the accessibility, diversity and inclusion manager at the HRO.
A more detailed form with the option of anonymous reporting
The new version of the has been available since January 2025. It now allows complainants to list the reasons for the complaint with respect to the Human Rights Code (such as ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, etc.) and to specify the nature of the complaint, such as anti-Black or anti-Indigenous racism, anti-semitism or Islamophobia.
The same form can be used to anonymously report a non-urgent concern or situation that is related to human rights.
鈥淭hese new options to anonymously submit complaints will encourage more people to voice their concerns, which will help us better identify the issues and intervene in a more targeted way,鈥 said Luc B茅langer, who is senior director of the HRO.
Annual reports for more transparency
Starting in January 2026, the HRO will publish an annual report that presents statistics on the complaints received, the types of discrimination reported, and other relevant information. This report will be made public on the HRO website and sent to the Ministry of Colleges and Universities. The confidentiality of all complainants will be entirely preserved.
These reports aim to ensure the effectiveness and integrity of the complaint handling procedures while bolstering the University community鈥檚 level of trust.
Community consultations on updates to Policy 67a
From May 5 to May 30, the Human Rights Office invites members of the University community to take an anonymous online survey on updates to Policy 67a 鈥 Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination.The goal is to improve the management of harassment and discrimination prevention at the University and to enhance the services provided to members of the University community affected by racism and hate.
This update includes:
- A definition of 鈥渉ate鈥
- A clearer and simpler complaint process to expedite procedures.
- Examples of interim or disciplinary measures.
- Specific deadlines for complaint processing
- An appeal procedure
Answers to the survey will help guide the HRO in finalizing the Policy.
The survey results will remain anonymous. The personal information collected will remain confidential under the authority of the University of Ottawa Act, 1965 and in accordance with Ontario鈥檚 Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and will only be used to assist the HRO in updating the Policy.
Do you have questions about the survey or need assistance?
Send an email to Marie-Claude Gagnon, Manager, Human Rights Office, at [email protected] or call the Human Rights Office at 613-562-5222.
