All Ontarians have the right to be free from harassment in learning, working and living environments because of, among other things, race, color, ancestry, place of origin, ethnic origin, citizenship and creed/religion. Racial harassment is a form of discrimination and a breach of the Ontario Human Rights Code and Humber’s Human Rights Policy.
Harassment is defined as “engaging in a course of vexatious comment or conduct that is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome”. The following types of behaviors will typically be considered racial harassment:
- racial epithets, slurs or jokes
- being subjected to racial name calling or nicknames
- racial jokes, cartoons or graffiti, including when circulated by email
- ridiculing comments related to race-related characteristics
- being subjected to references to racist organizations, such as having “KKK” painted on a locker
Racial harassment can intersect with other forms of harassment such as harassment on the basis of gender, religion, sexual orientation and disability.
It is not necessary for someone to object to the behaviour for it to be in violation of Humber’s Human Rights Policy. The fact that someone may have gone along with, or participated in harassing omments or conduct on the basis of race does not provide a defense. In addition to racial harassment, the creation of a poisoned environment is a form of discrimination and is contrary to the Ontario Human Rights Code. A poisoned environment can be created by a single incident if serious or substantial enough. It is the responsibility of every employer, landlord, and service provider to take steps to ensure that its environment is free from harassment or inappropriate race-related comments or conduct, even if no one objects.
For more information contact Jodie Glean, Manager, Human Rights, Equity & Diversity at jodie.glean@humber.ca or x5685. Click to view Humber's Human Rights Policy.
