Our Commitment
The Department of Psychology is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all its members. This requires safeguarding freedom of inquiry and expression while also upholding the right of all individuals to be treated with respect, dignity, and fairness. We recognize the challenges and barriers to inclusion and full participation faced by those from historically marginalized, oppressed, and underrepresented groups on our campus and in the wider community. We hope to increase the presence and contributions of these groups within our department as part of our broader commitment to social justice, intellectual and experiential diversity, and multiculturalism.
Prejudice, discrimination, or harassment targeting an individual’s gender, age, sexual orientation, racialized or ethnic identity, culture, nationality, religion, disabilities, or political beliefs have no place in our department and will not be tolerated. When reported, such allegations will be investigated through cooperation with dedicated units within the university and adjudicated as appropriate.
In our educational and research activities, we are committed to recognizing and affirming the distinct identities, perspectives, and voices of all those who make our work possible. This requires fostering critical awareness of the relevance of what we teach and study, and how we do so, for our students, research participants, and the society we are a part of. It also requires listening to and taking seriously the concerns of those who question some of our choices and decisions.
Raising a Concern or Complaint
If you are experiencing workplace incivility, harassment, or discrimination, you may raise it with the University by contacting any of the University’s 13 Divisional HR Offices or any of the University’s equity offices on the St. George, UTM, and UTSC campuses. You may approach whichever HR office or Equity Professional you are most comfortable speaking with, even if they are not a part of your local Divisional HR Office. Faculty members may also raise concerns and complaints with their Office of the Dean. All employees may also seek support or file a formal complaint via the University’s Workplace Investigations Office. If you are experiencing sexual violence or sexual harassment on campus, please contact the Sexual Violence Prevention & Support Centre If you are experiencing discrimination or harassment on campus in relation to your sexual or gender identity, please contact the Sexual & Gender Diversity Office (SGDO) for support and guidance. If you are experiencing discrimination or harassment on campus in relation to your nationality, racialized identity, or cultural background, please contact the Anti-Racism & Cultural Diversity Office (ARCDO) for support and guidance. Undergraduate or graduate students who have concerns or complaints about course content, policy, or activities that pertain to equity, diversity, or inclusion can contact the St. George EDI Committee at stg_psych_edi@utoronto.ca. Any other concerns or complaints should be directed to the Chair of the Department of Psychology at psy.chair@utoronto.ca. All concerns and complaints will be treated confidentially, and support offered. There are to be no reprisals for raising a concern or complaint.
Accommodation
The Department of Psychology recognizes its obligation to prevent discriminatory impacts on members of its community that arise from the failure to accommodate based on disability, religion/creed, and family status (i.e., primary caregiving responsibilities for parent/guardian or child). The duty to accommodate is made up of several overlapping and mutually reinforcing principles, including respect for dignity, individualization, integration, and full participation, as well as inclusive design.
Employees are encouraged to communicate accommodation needs to their immediate manager, supervisor, or the Chair of the department. You may also contact your local Human Resources representative. It is the responsibility of both the University and the individual seeking accommodations to work cooperatively and respectfully to explore and implement appropriate accommodation options.
If you have concerns or requests regarding accommodation, please contact the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) Office, Institutional Equity Office, or Family Care Office (FCO), depending on the nature of the accommodation.
Reporting Vandalism
We are committed to providing an inclusive environment for everyone in the Department of Psychology. This includes the physical spaces in which we learn and work. Providing an inclusive environment for everyone in our community means ensuring our physical spaces remain free from hateful messages, including racist or homophobic slurs, sexist language, or other discriminatory comments. Please report any vandalism or graffiti to Campus Safety or the Institutional Equity Office.