Reporting Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Concerns
FIFSW is committed to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and promoting safe, welcoming, and inclusive working and learning environments for all. We recognize that our Faculty is rich in its diversity and that academic excellence thrives when belonging for all can be achieved.
Reporting EDI concerns may be initiated based on an individual’s experiences of discrimination or harassment, either within or outside of FIFSW. Concernsmay include, but are not limited to, academics, extracurriculars, practicum or work environment.
Our goal is to support each individual through the resolution process on an individual basis based on their unique needs. We aim to offer resources that are culturally responsive, trauma informed, and restorative in nature.
Protected Grounds Under the Ontario Human Rights Code include age, ancestry, citizenship, colour, creed/religion (includes islamophobia and antisemitism), disability, ethnic origin, family status, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, place of origin, race, receipt of public assistance, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, record of offences.
For students: Resolution support for EDI concerns
Concerns/Complaint Intake
To relay or discuss a concern related to discrimination, harassment, or offensive actions within your program, we encourage you to start by reaching out to your program director.
Reaching out to your program director does not initiate a formal process. Rather, it is an opportunity to explore possible options both informal and formal, based on the circumstances of the concern.
The FIFSW Director of EDIIA (edi.fifsw@utoronto.ca) can also support the facilitation of early intervention in response to a concern. Early intervention provides those involved in a concern with the opportunity to engage in resolution through a collaborative and respectful manner that aims to rebuild, maintain, and improve relationships among those in conflict.
Early Intervention can include:
Informing and consulting with the appropriate academic/administration offices
Advising and supporting academic and administrative leadership on how to effectively support the resolution of the matter
Engaging directly with persons involved in a concern if invited to do so
Consulting with department or division to support the restoration process of the learning or working environment
Providing education/training to the team if relevant
Other options
If preferred, the University of Toronto’s The Institutional Equity Office can also assist you in preparing your concerns/complaints and provide support.
If you are experiencing conflict with your supervisory relationships or with your academic peers, another option is to contact the Centre for Graduate Mentorship and Supervision for support.
If you are experiencing workplace harassment, or discrimination of any kind, you may connect directly with your Director of EDI or approach whichever HR office or Equity Professional you are most comfortable speaking with, even if they are not a part of your local Divisional HR Office.You may also connect directly with the University’s Workplace Investigations Office to raise the concern.
Additionally, the University’s Institutional Equity Office on the St. George, UTM, and UTSC campuses are also available for consultation.
Faculty members may also raise concerns and complaints with the Office of the Dean.
Concerns can also be raised with Union representatives.
Learn more about how U of T is working to ensure all our workplace policies are inclusive and reflect our commitment to equity and diversity. Please visit the University’s Policies & Guidelines page.
Experiencing discrimination or harassment can be a painful experience. Whether or not you choose to report an incident, it is important to practice selfcare and seek support when needed. If you need to talk to someone, there are services on and off campus available to you, include culturally responsive resources and support.
Learning how to navigate public and private services, including OHIP-covered care, can help you find the right support. Visit the Ontario health system resource page to Understand the Mental Health Care System in Ontario.
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