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 an employee matter, the SRRO will work with Human Resources to resolve the matter. 

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

What is the Ontario Human Rights Code?

The Ontario Human Rights Code is a 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 any of the “protected grounds” named in the Ontario Human Rights Code. 

Harassment is a course of upsetting or bothersome commentary or behaviour that is reasonably known to be unwelcome or unwanted. Harassment can occur as a standalone incident, or as a pattern of behaviour that continues over time.  

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 contact Student Rights and Responsibilities to communicate your concerns. 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 something you have said or done has been flagged for you to have been harmful or problematic for another, it’s understandable that you might be feeling uncomfortable, worried or defensive. Try to consider the process as a learning opportunity and a way to repair the harms and rebuild trust; listen carefully, reflect on the information and think before you respond.  

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 offered supports. Detailed information about the procedure for addressing complaints can be found in the Student Human Rights policy.