Today@Dal

Dalhousie University is committed to fostering a climate of respect, inclusion and safety by ensuring that our campus environments are free from harassment, discrimination and violence. Given that we are a few weeks into the school year, it is a good time to remind our community of the supports that are available should students face any issues related to harassment, discrimination or violence.

The Office of Human Rights, Equity and Harassment Prevention is dedicated to fostering an inclusive working and learning environment, supporting the ongoing work of Dalhousie Strategic Initiative on Diversity and Inclusiveness.

The HREHP office offers advice and support to faculty, students and staff on topics such as human rights, diversity, accommodation, harassment, sexual assault, inclusive and respectful working and learning environments, conflict resolution and more. This involves proactive work such as education and outreach with faculties, business units, and individuals on campus to promote a respectful work and study culture.

The HREHP office also administers and provides advice on the Employment Equity/Affirmative Action policy, the Accommodation Policy for Employees, the statement of Prohibited Discrimination, the Personal Harassment Policy and the Sexual Harassment Policy. They also provide support and advice around sexual assault; including advice on reporting options, internally and externally, as well as information referrals.

The office delivers workshops and training sessions for different groups on topics related to respect, inclusion, anti-discrimination, harassment prevention, consent, bystander intervention and sexual violence prevention. Campus community members may call 902-494-6672 or email dalrespect@dal.ca to book a workshop. We also encourage you to visit dal.ca/cultureofrespect for more information on the supports available and how we are continually working to make our community inclusive and respectful.
 
We would also like to remind our community that graffiti contributes to a hostile environment and is unacceptable  at Dalhousie. Graffiti makes people feel unsafe and unwelcome in their learning and working environments. It is is a form of vandalism, which is a criminal offence when placed on public or private property, and when it includes discriminatory messages or images it constitutes a violation of the Human Rights Code, our Student Code of Conduct and our fundamental values as members of the Dalhousie community.
 
If you see graffiti anywhere on campus, please report it to Dal Security immediately by calling 902-494-6400 or emailing security@dal.ca , or using the DalSAFE e-reporting feature to send a picture and location of the graffiti.
 
 Sincerely,
Arig al Shaibah, Ph.D.
Vice-Provost Student Affairs