About the Student Human Rights Policy

Mohawk students walking in front of Fennell campus

Mohawk College is committed to ensuring an academic and working environment that recognizes the dignity and worth of all students and employees and in which all individuals are treated with respect. The College will uphold the Rights afforded to all by the Ontario Human Rights Code. The role of the Student Rights and Responsibilities Office is to help you understand your options and decide what to do next if you feel your rights under the Student Human Rights Policy have been violated. In the case of a student-to-student matter, the SRRO will manage the case, however, in the case of a student-to-employee matter, the SRRO will work with Human Resources to resolve the matter. 

You can find a copy of the Student Human Rights Policy. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the Ontario Human Rights Code?

The Ontario Human Rights Code is a provincial law that ensures everyone has equal rights and opportunities in Ontario, by prohibiting actions that discriminate against people based on a protected ground [in a protected social area].  

What are the protected grounds and social areas? 

The protected grounds are: 

  • Age
  • Ancestry, colour, race
  • Citizenship
  • Ethnic origin
  • Place of origin
  • Creed
  • Disability
  • Family status
  • Marital status (including single status)
  • Gender identity, gender expression
  • Receipt of public assistance (in housing only)
  • Record of offences (in employment only)
  • Sex (including pregnancy and breastfeeding)
  • Sexual orientation

 

The protected social areas are: 

  • Accommodation (housing)
  • Contracts
  • Employment
  • Goods, services and facilities
  • Membership in unions, trade or professional associations.

What is discrimination? What is harassment? 

 Discrimination is any form of unequal treatment, whether intentional or not, that is based on the Code’s “Protected Grounds” under Code. It may involve direct actions that are discriminatory on their face, or it may involve rules, practices or procedures that appear neutral, but have the effect of imposing burdens, obligations, or disadvantages, on certain groups of people, or which withholds or limits access to opportunities, benefits and advantages available to other individuals.

Harassment is a course of vexatious comment or conduct that is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome. Harassment can also result from a serious single comment or action and it does not matter whether the harasser was intending to harm or annoy the other person.

If the harassment is related to any of the Code’s “Protected Grounds” then the harassment violates the Code and this Policy.

How do I know if I’m experiencing discrimination or harassment? 

You might be experiencing discrimination if you are being treated differently or unequally based on your membership in one of the protected groups described above. 

You might have experienced harassment if you have been the recipient of a number of vexatious comments or conduct that can reasonably be known to be unwelcome. Harassment can also result from a serious single comment or action. It does not matter whether the harasser intended to cause harm to the person that was the recipient of the comment(s) or action. 

What are my options for addressing harassment or discrimination on campus? 

 

If a student believes that they are experiencing discrimination or harassment you can file a complaint or communicate your concerns by filling out our Public Incident Report Form. In the case of a student-to-student matter, the SRRO will manage the case, however, in the case of a student-to-employee matter, the SRRO will work with Human Resources to resolve the matter. 

Once SRRO receives this form we will reach out to you to set up a meeting to discuss the incident and determine the next steps.  The SRRO will share various options with you under the policies at the College and offer support as the student navigates their concerns. 

If a student has experienced Sexual Harassment or Sexualized Violence please refer to the Sexual Assault and Sexualized Violence website. 

I’ve been accused of harassment and/or discrimination. What happens next? 

If a complaint about your behaviour is made to the Student Rights and Responsibilities Office, you will be informed of the allegations, provided with an opportunity to share your perspective, and will be offered supports. If the allegations were founded to be true during the investigation process, in a student-to-student complaint, sanctions, and corrective measures will be applied. 

We understand that you might be feeling uncomfortable, worried, or defensive. However, try to consider the process as a learning opportunity and a way to repair the harm and rebuild trust; listen carefully, reflect on the information, and think before you respond.