Our Services - Equity & Human Rights Office

Human Rights advising

What is the Role of the Human Rights Advisor?

The Role of the Human Rights Advisor is to Provide consultation and information for those whose have concerns relating to human rights matters.

The Human Rights Advisor is available to any member of the Trent University Community to assist and provide individuals and groups with information about policies, procedures, and other human rights related matters. The human Rights Advisor’s role is not to act as an advocate for either the complainant(s) or the Respondent(s), nor to provide legal advice.

How to file a complaint

Filing a Complaint with the Equity and Human Rights Office (EHRO)

To initiate a complaint, please follow these steps:

Complete the Complaint Form: Submit a written account of the incident(s), including relevant dates, times, locations, and individuals involved. Supporting documentation—such as emails, messages, or witness statements—can be included. Please refer to the "Where to Report" page.

Submit the Complaint: Email the signed and dated complaint to humanrights@trentu.ca

Deadline for Submission: Complaints must be filed within five months of the alleged incident, unless exceptional circumstances apply.

Complaint Process Overview (Click here to see the Complaint Flowchart)

Once your complaint is submitted, the following steps will be undertaken:

Preliminary Assessment: EHRO will determine whether the complaint falls within the scope of the Discrimination and Harassment Policy. If not, you will be informed and guided on alternative options.
Informal Resolution (Optional): You may choose to engage in voluntary and confidential methods such as mediation or facilitated dialogue.
Formal Investigation: If informal resolution is not pursued or is unsuccessful, a formal investigation will be initiated. An impartial investigator will gather evidence, interview parties and witnesses, and assess the information provided.
Findings and Recommendations: A report will be prepared summarizing the findings and recommendations, which will be shared with the appropriate university authority for action.
Outcome and Actions: If the complaint is substantiated, appropriate measures—such as disciplinary actions or accommodations—will be implemented. Both parties will be informed of the outcome, with confidentiality maintained.
Appeals: Either party may appeal the decision if there is a procedural error or new evidence. Appeals must be submitted within the timeframe outlined in the policy.

Complaint Protections

Trent University is dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and accessible environment for all members of our community. The EHRO is here to support you throughout this process and ensure your concerns are addressed with care and integrity.

Confidentiality: All complaints submitted to the Equity and Human Rights Office (EHRO) are treated with the utmost discretion. Information is managed in accordance with applicable privacy legislation and university policy to protect the identities and dignity of all parties involved.
Procedural Fairness: The complaint process is guided by principles of procedural fairness. This ensures that all individuals—regardless of their role, status, or affiliation within the university—are afforded a fair and impartial process. Parties have the right to be informed of allegations, to respond, and to participate meaningfully in the resolution process.
Protection Against Reprisals: Retaliation or reprisal against any individual who files a complaint, participates in an investigation, or acts as a witness or support person is strictly prohibited. Such conduct constitutes a separate violation under Trent University’s Discrimination and Harassment Policy and may give rise to an additional complaint. This protection is enshrined in Section 8 of the Ontario Human Rights Code, which prohibits reprisals against individuals for asserting their rights under the Code.

EHRO's Resources & Referrals

Resources and referrals for Trent Students, Staff and Faculty for both Peterborough and Durham campuses. Please contact equity@trentu.ca if you would like your training, support service or group resource information to be featured on this webpage.

Do you have an accessible format request? Please email access@trentu.ca or call 705-748-1011 extension 6602

EHRO Resource Room

The Ontario Human Rights Commission has a wealth of online learning resources.

The Equity and Human Rights Office has a resource room that members of the Trent University community can feel free to visit and use. Resources are located in Otonabee College Room 124. Please contact EHRO in advance to arrange access to the Resource Room.

EHRO Lending Library

The Equity and Human Rights office has a Lending Library! If you are looking for materials for classes or want to expand your knowledge, check out one of many books available for loan. Contact EHRO to come by and peruse our selection.