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What We Do

Two Toronto Met community members having a meeting.

Human Rights Services works to promote an equitable and inclusive university community, free from discrimination and harassment based on the protected grounds identified in the Ontario Human Rights Code. Human Rights Services is one of the units that make up the Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion (OVPECI). 

Our services are free, confidential and available to university community members. We do not advocate for any individual or group. We advocate for fairness and for a community where the dignity and human rights of all its members are respected and upheld.

Prevention through education and partnerships 

Prevention through education is one of our key goals. We work to empower individuals, groups and units with the tools and understanding to effectively address human rights concerns not only reactively but proactively, as part of our efforts to promote a human rights-centered campus community that safeguards the dignity and equal rights of all university community members.

Contact Human Rights Services if you want to learn or consult more about your human rights and responsibilities as a member of the university community. We can provide: 

  • Educational sessions and seminars customized  to the needs of your specific team, department or unit.  
  • One-on-one coaching and consultation tailored to your unique needs and requirements

Please fill out our online form for requests for education/training.

You may choose to file a complaint or seek a resolution to a human rights or sexual violence matter

Human Rights Services offers free and confidential complaint resolution services to university students, faculty, staff and community members based on the Discrimination and Harassment Prevention Policy and the Sexual Violence Policy

We can guide you through the process for filing and resolving a complaint. We offer:

  • information about the options available to address human rights concerns 
  • conciliation through mediation and other forms of alternative resolution when parties involved agree that an alternate resolution is possible and preferable to an investigation
  • investigation of complaints where appropriate

We also provide referrals to appropriate services and resources at the university, including when a matter does not fall within the jurisdiction of our office and/or policies

Changes to in-person services: COVID-19 pandemic

Human Rights Services is continuing to work remotely during the fall semester as the university prepares to return to campus in the winter semester. Our team is available via phone, email and for virtual appointments as required. Find more COVID-19 information and updates here.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. You can contact us with any human rights and/or sexual violence-related concerns or complaints at the university. Theuniversity’s Discrimination and Harassment Prevention Policy states that a complainant must normally file a complaint of discrimination or harassment within 12 months from the time of alleged incident(s). There is no restriction on the length of time a complaint can be filed under the Sexual Violence Policy.

As the university has moved to an essential services model to prevent further transmission of COVID-19, we are not able to meet in person, unless there are exceptional reasons (e.g. disability related accommodation need) requiring this. We are available to connect with you by phone or video conferencing. Please contact us. If needed, we can set up a virtual or phone appointment.

While we are not on campus, the Human Rights Services team is still working remotely full-time and doing our best to provide timely advice, consultations and investigations, in partnership with other units on campus and with external investigators. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there may be delays. While we endeavour to update you as we receive information, you are welcome to contact us to check in regarding the status of the investigation in which you are involved.

Yes. We encourage you to contact us. We will connect with you to learn more about the incident(s) and to discuss potential next steps.