Introduction to Diversity
Who We Are…
Centre for Human Rights at York University
Mandate
Create a climate of understanding and acceptance of the principles and
spirit of the Ontario Human Rights Code through public education; and
resolution of complaints arising from allegations of discrimination and
harassment as defined in the Code and York’s Policies
Work the Centre does includes human-rights based
Public education
Information and referral
Intake
Early resolution and mediation
Investigation
Consultations
Awareness-raising events
Resource centre
What do we do?

We provide human rights, diversity, and social justice related
training & events, including a resource centre

We assist and support students, staff, and faculty

We help to resolve complaint relating to human rights violations
as listed under the OHRC, which includes sexual harassment.

Complaints may be:

Student  Student/Staff/Faculty

Staff  Student/Staff/Faculty

Faculty  Student/Staff/Faculty
What do you know about me?
?
?
?
N
?
?
The Power of Assumptions

What have these assumptions taught you about
me?

How might this information impact your
interactions with me?
What do you know about each other?
?
?
?
You
Peers
Students
?
?
Extended Nametag
On your nametag write answers to the
following questions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
One thing you would not know by looking at me
A word that describes a time when I felt
excluded
A place where I feel welcomed or included
A word to describe “diversity”
Diversity – a definition:
“The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect. It
means understanding that each individual is unique, and
recognizing our individual differences.
These can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender,
sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities,
religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies. It is the
exploration of these differences in a safe, positive, and nurturing
environment.
It is about understanding each other and moving beyond
simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the
rich dimensions of diversity contained within each individual.”
Source:
http://gladstone.uoregon.edu/~asuomca/diversityinit/definition.html
Power &
Privilege
D
I
V
E
R
S
I
T
Y
Adopted from the Power Flower (Source: Arnold, R., Burke, B., James, C. & Martin, D. (1991)
Educating for a Change, Toronto, ON: Between The Lines)
Parts of Who We Are That
We Do Not Choose
 Age
 Ability
 Ethnicity
 Sexual
 Ancestry
 Biological
Sex
Orientation
 Birth place
 Race or Colour
Parts of Our Who We Are That
We May Choose:
Work Content/Profession
Marital status
Work Location
Personal and recreational habits
Religious/faith practices
Whether we study,
what we study
Where we live
My Group Assumptions

Stereotypes that people have of a group that you
belong to

What you want us to know about your group

What you never want to see, hear or experience
again as a member of this group

What you want your allies to do
How to Contact Us
Centre for Human Rights
South Ross 327
Phone:
TTY:
Email:
Website:
416-736-5682
416-650-8023
rights@yorku.ca
www.yorku.ca/rights