At Trent University, we take great pride in our vibrant and diverse community. Numerous networks and initiatives actively contribute to creating an inclusive and safe environment for all our students and staff.
Trent University is committed to creating equal opportunities for all community members to grow as individuals and global citizens. Within this vision we recognize that confronting racism and hate in all forms is essential to building an inclusive, safe, and equitable campus.
Our commitment to anti-racism and anti-hate is grounded through dignity, human rights, and social justice. We stand in allyship and solidarity with members of Indigenous and other marginalized communities: including racialized groups, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, persons with immigration background, and persons with visible and invisible challenges.
Trent University values both freedom of expression, academic freedom, supports the rights of students, staff, facility, and visitors, and encourages all to explore diverse ideas, challenge norms, and engage in respectful dialogue across a wide range of perspectives, even if conversations are unpopular.
However, these freedoms are not absolute (unlimited). Under Trent University Freedom of Expression Policy, freedom of speech does not include the right to engage in unlawful activities, or violate university policies, federal, provincial or municipal law. This can include but not limited to hate speech, racism, discriminatory actions, harassment, or violence.
Anti Racism and Anti-Hate Hub Goals:
In alignment with the Ontario Human Right Code and the Minister’s Directive on Anti-Racism and Anti-Hate (2024) for publicly assisted colleges and universities, and the Strengthening Accountability and Student Supports Act, 2024 (Bill 166), Trent University Anti-Racism and Hate Hub goals are to:
Be a centralized source of information about Anti-Racism, and Anti-Hate that applies to everyone within our community; such as students, facility, staff, volunteers including guest speakers.
Outline how Anti-Racism and Anti-Hate protection is embed in our Discrimination and Harassment Policy and Procedure.
Provide accessible, reporting options for all community members; including those who wish to report anonymously.
Provided learning opportunities for individuals about Anti-Racism and Anti-Hate.
Outline Key strategies to help combat racism and hate across our community.
Establish a working group with members across the university community. To centralizing marginalized individuals' voices, develop an action plan for the university to address racism and hate across campus, and ensure alignment with the minster directive, and the Strengthening Accountability and Student Supports Act, 2024.
Provided Overall information on reports and plans.
References: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/s22022