It's a first for an Ontario university. The University of Guelph has released a school-wide anti-racism policy statement.
Stemming from the school's anti-racism action plan developed in 2020, they said it's part of the school's commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
They said the policy is meant to identify, dismantle and eliminate racism in all forms, and includes steps such as reviewing policies and processes currently at the school, as well as providing education and resources and engage with racialized communities on campus to understand and address their needs.
"We know that racism is a harsh daily reality for many Canadians," Indira Naidoo-Harris, associate vice-president in U of G's office of diversity and human rights, said in a news release. "This is unacceptable."
She added they have a responsibility to build the right foundation so people are treated with respect and acceptance. She said the statement gives the university community the tools needed to "identify and address racism when it occurs."
Jade Ferguson, the associate dean for university academic equity and anti-racism, said many racialized students and faculty don't always feel fully welcomed and included.
Ferguson said it focuses on the big picture of university activities, and calls the policy a critical step forward.
"While specific acts of racism on campus are not addressed, the policy statement does set expectations for a racism-free environment and encourages the reporting of racism and racial discrimination," she said in a news release.
Naidoo-Harris said this will help in the effort to recruit, retain and develop talent worldwide, which will in turn help them improve on programming and services, and lead to innovation and student success.
As things move along, the school said they will update the policy as needed.
A review of the policy will take place in a year to identify and develop needed resources and support.
