Equity, Diversity and Human Rights

The mandate of the Equity, Diversity and Human Rights Office (EDHRO) is to lead the University community in fostering an inclusive and respectful learning and working environment for all students, staff and faculty by providing expertise, guidance, advice and counsel to members of the University community in order to ensure compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), the Ontario Human Rights Code (Code) and Laurentian University’s Policy on a Respectful Workplace and Learning Environment, Policy on Response and Prevention of Sexual Violence, Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities and any other related policies.

An IDEA-L community where Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility are respected and embraced at Laurentian. The mandate of the Equity, Diversity and Human Rights Office (EDHRO) is to lead the University community in fostering an inclusive and respectful learning and working environment. The EDHRO operates as a confidential and independent resource for all members of the Laurentian University community, including students, staff, and faculty.

The EDHRO supports learning and working places free from discrimination, harassment, bullying, and sexual violence, through administration of the following University policies:

• Policy and Program on a Respectful Workplace and Learning Environment
• Policy on Response and Prevention of Sexual Violence
• Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities
• Policy on Accessibility Standards for Customer Service

Using an impartial and objective approach, our staff provides expertise and guidance to members of the University community to help understand options available to address their concerns and complaints, and help pursue a resolution, including through various dispute resolution approaches.

The EDHRO ensures that services provided to community members are trauma-informed, culturally relevant, and aim to restore environments where all parties can fully move forward to the greatest extent possible.

The EDHRO provides confidential information and guidance on community members’ rights and responsibilities, including compliance with relevant legislation including the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Occupational Health and Safety Act (harassment), Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, as well as the related University policies.

The EDHRO provides education, training and facilitates awareness initiatives for the Laurentian community to foster an inclusive and respectful learning and working environment.