Consultations

Consultations

Human Rights Consultation

The Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Office (EDIO) provides guidance and support to students, staff, faculty and librarians in resolving issues that involve equity, discrimination or harassment.   

As a part of the process, a staff member from EDIO will meet with you to hear your concerns, answer questions, share information about complaints resolution processes, and discuss the most appropriate options with you to work towards a resolution. 

Any student, staff, faculty or librarian is welcome to reach out to the EDIO if you feel you have experienced harassment or discrimination under all protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

To learn more, read the University of the Governing Council’s Statement on Prohibited Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment.

We also refer to other offices, supports, and resources as appropriate. 

In the initial meeting, EDIO staff will do the following:

• Give priority to information gathering and to better understand the concerns or allegations.
• Actively listen and communicate respectfully. Please note: Respectful communication from all parties is expected.
• Ask the complainant to identify their ideal outcome for the situation.
• Advise on resolution strategies and ask whether we have your consent to contact the individuals or departments relevant to your concerns. Please note: If we do not have consent, we are limited in how we can support.
• Take relevant notes relating to the issue or concern.

Confidentiality

Any personal information collected and recorded by the EDIO is not shared with external offices or individuals without consent, except when:

• There is a concern for individual or community safety.
• There is a violation of UofT Policy and/or the law.

Please note: Aggregate information is shared in reports to capture overall trends and the prevalence of equity issues.

Referrals and Next Steps

The EDIO advises on strategies for addressing the concern(s) and makes referrals to internal and external supports. For student concerns, we may connect with the Office of Student Experience & Wellbeing (OSEW). For staff or faculty concerns, we may connect with Human Resources or the Vice-Dean, Faculty Affairs, and Equity.

To schedule a consultation with the EDIO, please send an email to edio.utsc@utoronto.ca. If possible, please provide a brief summary of your concerns or the incident in the email.

Relevant Resources

• Institutional Equity Office Institutional Equity Office – The Division of People Strategy, Equity & Culture (utoronto.ca)
• Policies and Guidelines Policies and Guidelines – The Division of People Strategy, Equity & Culture (utoronto.ca)

EDI Consultation

As part of UTSC’s commitment to Inclusive Excellence, the EDIO provides guidance and support to students, staff, faculty and librarians on equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives within your office, department, or student group. 

The EDIO provides advice and assistance on initiatives including, but not limited to, the following: 

• Surveys, data collection, and demographics
• Programming and events 
• Mentorship initiatives 
• Physical space and access 
• Recruitment, hiring, and retention 
• Cultural change 
• Strategic priorities 

Schedule a consultation

To schedule a consultation with the EDIO, send an e-mail to edio.utsc@utoronto.ca.

If you would like more information on contacting the edio, please visit our Contact Us page.

When should you contact the EDIO?

• You need assistance in resolving an issue that involves equity, discrimination or harassment  
• You would like the EDIO to know about events within the mandate of the office  
• You want to know more about EDIO programs and services  
• You want to become more involved in making U of T Scarborough a more equitable and inclusive space for everyone  
• You have questions about university policy on equity or diversity issues

What can you expect from the EDIO?

• Confidentiality

• Safe and supportive environment

• Respectful and non-judgmental approach to your concerns

• Timely response

Human Rights Grounds

In Canada, everyone deserves equal access to opportunities and services without discrimination in the protected social areas of accommodation (housing), contracts, employment, goods, services and facilities, and membership in unions, trade or professional associations.

The Code prohibits actions that discriminate against people based on a protected ground  in a protected social area. All other Ontario laws must agree with the Code.

The University of Toronto acknowledges and affirms the Ontaro Human Rights Code, and affirmed its commitment to values of equal opportunity, equity, and social justice in the 2012 Statement on Human Rights.

You can learn more about Human Rights by visiting the website of the Ontario Human Rights Commission.

In addition, please see this guide to "Guide to your Rights and Responsibilities Under the Human Rights Code" to learn more about human rights in Ontario.

Protected Grounds

Everyone at the University of Toronto has the right to work, learn and live on campus free from discrimination and harassment based on protected grounds (personal attributes).

To learn more about the protected grounds, read the categories below.