Recent media attention has focused on issues of gender identity and anti-racism initiatives at the University of Toronto.

Some members of our community have experienced disadvantage, prejudice, discrimination and other forms of inequality because of their race, ethnicity, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, faith and other identities. We must be attentive and make efforts to understand this history of inequity, to better appreciate our colleagues’ and students’ present challenges, and take active steps to make our collective future better.

The University of Toronto sees equity and diversity as inextricably interwoven with the pursuit and achievement of excellence. Our institution reaffirms its commitment to be a safe and welcoming place for the widest breadth of communities – along with their perspectives, ideas, and debates. We are proud to take responsive and proactive steps to enhance opportunity and equity.

Our mandatory, evidence-based training initiatives for staff members working in human resources offices is yet another step forward in our continuing  work to implement our longstanding policy commitment reflected in Statement on Equity, Diversity and Excellence (2006):

“At the University of Toronto we strive to be an equitable and inclusive community, rich with diversity, protecting the human rights of all persons, and based on understanding and mutual respect for the dignity and respect of every person…

Our support for equity is grounded in an institution-wide commitment to achieving a working, teaching and learning environment that is free of discrimination and harassment as defined in the Ontario Human Rights Code…

The creation of an equitable community, one that is diverse as well as inclusive and that is respectful and protects the human rights of its members, requires the work of every member of the community, across all of our sites and campuses, including students, teaching staff, administrative staff, visitors, alumni and guests.”

The University’s values of diversity, equity, inclusion and the protection of human rights will continue to inform and embed our commitment to build an environment where all members of our diverse community know and feel that they belong at the University of Toronto.

Kelly Hannah-Moffat
Vice-President, Human Resources & Equity

Cheryl Regehr
Vice-President and Provost

October 7, 2016