Anti-Racism Anti-Hate

On May 16, 2024, Bill 166, known as the Strengthening Accountability and Student Supports Act, 2024 (the Act), received Royal Assent. The Act sets mandatory policy and transparency requirements for publicly assisted colleges and universities with the goal of protecting students’ well-being on campus.

The anti-racism and anti-hate directives emphasize the importance of creating safe, inclusive, and equitable learning environments. The Human Rights, Discrimination, Harassment and Racism Prevention Policy and Procedure (“the Policy”) outlines NOSM University’s commitment to foster an inclusive and equitable environment that is actively anti-racist and free from systemic and individual discrimination. The University cultivates a respectful learning environment through an integrated approach that includes institutional policies, mandatory education, faculty development, and learner supports. 

The purpose of the Policy is to:

  • Confirm the right of every NOSM University Community Member to a learning and working environment free from discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, and racism in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code (the Code), the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), and the Strengthening Accountability and Students Supports Act, 2024. 
  • Ensure all NOSM University Community Members are aware of their rights and obligations under the Code and other applicable legislation.
  • Dismantle racism by identifying and addressing policies, practices, and behaviors that may be racially biased or discriminatory. 
  • Protect individuals from retaliation by prohibiting any form of retaliation against those who, in good faith, make complaints, or participate in investigations. 

The Procedure provides a structured, fair process for reviewing and resolving concerns while ensuring accountability through accessible complaint pathways and proactive systemic review.

The Equity & Inclusion portfolio is directly linked to NOSM University’s strategic priority to advance social accountability. The portfolio provides vision and leadership to the Office of the President, Vice-Chancellor, Dean and CEO by promoting equity, increasing diversity, and strengthening the culture of inclusion among NOSM University’s faculty, staff, learners, alumni, and friends, in collaboration with community and academic partners. Equity and Inclusion includes Francophone Affairs and Indigenous Affairs.

Complaint Mechanisms

If you have experienced discrimination or hate, the University Policy & Regulatory Compliance (UPRC) Unit is available to help. The UPRC Unit assists with matters of discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, and sexual violence. As neutral investigators, the unit has an impartial approach towards resolving matters. Contact them by emailing humanrights@nosm.ca.

If you are a supervisor or person of authority reporting an issue that has taken place in your area of responsibility, please do not submit information using the anonymous option. Reach out to the University Policy & Regulatory Compliance Unit at humanrights@nosm.ca to schedule a confidential meeting.

Anonymous Reports

NOSM University recognizes that individuals may wish to report instances of harassment, discrimination, racism, or other human rights issues anonymously.  The University recognizes the inherent challenges in fully addressing such complaints due to the inability to directly engage with the complainant. This limitation can hinder the collection of critical details and corroborating evidence necessary for a thorough investigation using the principles of natural justice. As a result, the scope of any investigation stemming from an anonymous complaint may be restricted.  

Policies and Procedures

Supports

NOSM University recognizes the importance of mental health and well-being for learners.

Other Training & Resources

Annual Reports

As required, each year the University Policy & Regulatory Compliance Unit prepares a report in collaboration with several units at NOSM University. View the annual reports.