To promote safe, inclusive and respectful campuses and online learning environments free from any acts of discrimination, harassment, hate and racism.
To ensure transparency and consistency when responding to acts of discrimination, harassment, hate and racism, in compliance with applicable legislation.
This policy applies to students, employees, contractors, suppliers of services, volunteers and visitors online and in person.
The freedom to teach and undertake academic activities that are fundamental to pursuing truth, educating students and disseminating knowledge and understanding.
In exercising academic freedom, employees are responsible for adhering to legal parameters, institutional regulations, Ministry Directives, requirements of accrediting bodies and curriculum requirements.
Academic freedom carries with it the duty to use that freedom in a manner consistent with the scholarly obligations to base research and teaching on an honest search for knowledge.
An individual who files a complaint alleging a violation of this, or other Seneca policies, seeking Seneca’s response.
When a student notifies a person in a position of authority, Student Conduct or Security Services of an allegation under this policy.
When an employee notifies Human Resources, Security Services, their union or their supervisor of an allegation under this policy.
One or a series of action(s) or any behaviour based on a protected ground that results in the unfavourable, adverse or preferential treatment which negatively affects or could negatively affect the academic status of a student, the employment status of an employee or the provision of any service.
The process of making an official decision after a complaint or report of discrimination, harassment, hate or racism has been investigated. This includes findings of whether there has been a breach of the policy and a determination of whether any remedies, corrective actions or accountability measures are required.
The individual in senior leadership at Seneca, or their delegate, who is responsible for initiating an investigation under this policy and making a decision on sanctions following an investigation.
The right to speak, write, listen and challenge in adherence with legal parameters.
Engaging in a course of vexatious comments or conduct related to one or more of the protected grounds that is known or might reasonably be known to be unwelcome/unwanted, offensive, intimidating, hostile, or inappropriate, which adversely affects the employment or academic status of the individual.
The use of extreme language or a form of communication that expresses detestation for or vilifies an individual or group of individuals based on ability, colour, ethnicity, place of origin, race, creed, gender, or sexual orientation, among other protected grounds and social areas.
Learning or communicating with others through the internet or a computer network, including, but not limited to email, text messages, social media and software inside or outside the classroom.
Protected grounds are: age, ancestry, citizenship, colour, disability, ethnic family status, gender identity, gender expression, marital status (including single status), place of origin, race, receipt of public assistance (in housing only), record of offences (in employment only), sex (including pregnancy and breastfeeding) and sexual orientation.
Protected social areas are: accommodation (housing), contracts, employment, goods, services and facilities and membership in unions, trade or professional associations.
An ideology that either directly or indirectly asserts that one group is inherently superior to others. It can manifest in various ways, including social actions, practices or political systems that support discriminatory behaviors.
Individuals(s) against whom a complaint is being made.
Any event, project, delivery of educational content or other activity, which has been sanctioned by Seneca, including, but not limited to, co-op work terms, field placements, internships or virtual learning environments.
Includes, but is not limited to, current or prospective students as well as employees, visitors, volunteers, consultants and contractors and their employees while they are on Seneca property or engaged in Seneca activities off Seneca property or virtually.
The existence of policies, practices, procedures, actions or inactions that have an adverse impact associated with one of the protected grounds.
Approval Date: January 2025