Toronto, Ontario – Toronto Police Service (TPS) and Humber College students have collaborated on an initiative to raise awareness and education of hate crimes across Toronto.

Students from Humber’s Bachelor of Creative Advertising and Bachelor of Criminal Justice worked together to create a “Hate the Hate: Report the Crime” pamphlet. The pamphlet will be used online and distributed across Toronto by TPS as part of its efforts to create awareness and encourage reporting.

The pamphlet is the result of a creative challenge TPS brought to Humber’s Business of Advertising class to create a brochure or infographic to inform and educate the community about hate crimes. The winning students are Carter Mooney and Abigail Ramos, who were selected from 13 entries by a judging panel of Humber and TPS representatives.

The pamphlet, which was developed on the key values of respect, understanding, inclusivity and that Canada is better with diversity, includes:

  • Definitions of hate crimes, hate incidents, hate speech in Canada, and what constitutes a hate crime
  • Key indicators that a hate crime may have been committed
  • How to report hate crimes and why it is important to do so
  • Information about Toronto Police Service Hate Crimes Unit

The need for the project arose following the release of TPS’ Annual Hate Crime Statistical Report that showed a 51 per cent increase in reported hate crimes in 2020, with notable increases in anti-Asian, anti-Black and online hate crimes. TPS acknowledges that these crimes often go unreported and is leading various training, educational and community outreach initiatives to address this.

Humber’s Criminal Justice and Creative Advertising programs have worked frequently with TPS on projects about harm reduction and expanding the scope of community policing. Humber is an active partner in providing independent evaluations of the Neighbourhood Community Officer Program.

Quotes

Chief of Police James Ramer:
“Hate crimes not only victimize an individual but the entire group they identify with. We know this can have long-lasting impacts on the diverse communities we serve. Unfortunately, the under-reporting of hate crimes continues to be a challenge, even as these types of crimes are rising. We want our communities to understand what a hate crime is, and if they experience it, to know we are here to support them. This pamphlet, created by Humber students’ Carter and Abigail, will help us do that. We’re thankful to Humber for working with us on this and other important public safety initiatives.”

Laurie Rancourt, Senior Vice-President, Academic, Humber College
“Equity, diversity and inclusion are Humber’s key values. It is important for our students and faculty to have the opportunity to support and work within the college and larger communities to discuss, raise awareness and tackle tough issues. Working with TPS has allowed Humber to break down traditional learning areas and engage in partnerships across Faculties. This allows for classes to engage in and develop solutions to current events and real-life issues.” 

Abigail Ramos, student, Bachelor of Creative Advertising. Humber College
“As hate crimes are on the rise, it is critical to empower individuals and communities to speak up and report hate crimes whether they experience or witness them. Hate crimes have no place in our society. I am pleased to have worked on this project and to help raise awareness of this important initiative to provide people with much needed information.”

Carter Mooney, student, Bachelor of Creative Advertising. Humber College
“This project provided my classmates and me with the experiential opportunity to work with an actual client, receive a client presentation, and follow up with the client after the work was completed. From seeing the project through from creative development, to editing, to presenting to the client, gave me an idea of what my future looks like and affirmed why I chose this field and to study at Humber.”

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About the Toronto Police Service
The Toronto Police Service is responsible for delivering policing services to a dynamic and very diverse community. With over 7,000 members, both uniform police officers and civilians, TPS is dedicated to policing in partnership with our communities to keep Toronto the best and safest place to be. In collaboration with its many stakeholders, TPS continues to implement comprehensive police reform as part of its commitment to transparency and accountability, and to strengthening trust with all of Toronto’s many communities.

For more information, please contact:  
Stephanie Sayer
Team Lead, Corporate Communications and Community Relations
Toronto Police Service
Stephanie.Sayer@TorontoPoliceService.on.ca | (416) 808-7934

About Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning
Humber College is focused on our students' future. As a global leader in polytechnic education, Humber students receive in-depth theoretical learning and hands-on experience with applied research and extensive industry connections. Humber provides career-focused education to more than 33,000 full-time and 23,000 part-time and continuing education students across three campuses. A comprehensive range of credentials, including honours undergraduate degrees, Ontario graduate certificates, diplomas, apprenticeships and certificates, prepare career-ready global citizens to move seamlessly from education to employment. More than 86 per cent of Humber graduates are employed within six months of completing their studies. Visit humber.ca.

For more information, please contact:  
Humber College - Media Relations
416.675.5095
mediarelations@humber.ca