- Why Report Racism at SLC?
- Who should report?
- How to Report?
- What should I expect when I report?
- Confidentiality Statement
- Other Frequently Asked Questions
Why Report Racism at SLC?
There are several reasons to report incidents of racism, whether you are the individual harmed or witnessed the behaviour. Reporting racism is not just about addressing individual incidents but also contributing to broader efforts to combat systemic racism. Here are just a few reasons:
Promoting Accountability: When incidents of racism are reported, it holds respondents accountable for their actions. This accountability is important for preventing future occurrences and promoting a culture of respect and equality.
Protecting those Harmed: Reporting racism helps to protect those harmed from further harm. It sends a message that discriminatory behavior is not tolerated and encourages others to speak out against injustice.
Creating Awareness: By reporting incidents of racism, we are collecting data that can be used to raise awareness about the prevalence of discriminatory attitudes and actions. This awareness is essential for informed decision making.
Driving Change: Reporting racism contributes to systemic change by highlighting areas where policies, practices, and attitudes need improvement. It provides an opportunity for us to implement anti-racist measures, develop training opportunities, and create lasting positive change.
Addressing Injustice: Racism perpetuates inequality and discrimination, which undermines the fundamental rights and dignity of individuals. Reporting it helps to address these injustices and challenge discriminatory behaviors.
Who Should Report
Reporting racism is a collective responsibility. Anyone within the St. Lawrence College community, whether you are a student, employee, alumni, or visitor can and should report if you experienced or witnessed an incident of racism.
How to Report?
SLC community members who experience or are witness to racism can report the incident in a few different ways:
Online Reporting Tool for all SLC community members
- SUBMIT A REPORT HERE – selecting “Racism” under the dropdown
Student Rights and Responsibilities Office (SRRO) for current SLC students
Employee Relations and Workforce Abilities (ERWA) for current SLC employees
Belonging, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (BEDI) for all SLC community members
When you submit a report using the online reporting tool or speak to an advisor from the supporting departments, a trained SLC employee will respond to you privately within 2-5 business days to offer assistance and information on proceeding steps.
What should I expect when I report?
Expect to be treated with respect and dignity. We recognize the courage and strength it takes to voice and relive experienced or witnessed harm.
If you submit a report using the online reporting tool, it will be reviewed confidentially by a relevant SLC employee (e.g., BEDI, SRRO or ERWA) and they will follow up with you within 2-5 business days. They will invite you to meet privately and provide options for how to proceed next (e.g. informal or formal process). The person who submitted the form will be contacted before contacting anyone else named in the report.
Based on available information of the incident, other College policies and procedures may take effect (e.g. Student Code of Conduct and/or Employee Code of Conduct).
Other Frequently Asked Questions
We will prioritize the safety of the individual or community that is harmed. An SLC employee will offer options, outlining the level of detail to be provided to the individual being followed up on. We aim to help the reporter make an informed decision on how to proceed.
You will be asked to include your name, contact information, and incident details. When writing the incident details, please indicate in a clear and concise manner what you saw, heard, or felt. Try to include identifiable information like a name, location, or witnesses, if you have this information. If you choose to leave out identifiable information, this will limit the College’s ability to follow up with those who caused harm.
At times, it can be difficult to know if an incident was racially biased or motivated. If you are unsure, you are welcome to reach out to the Belonging, EDI team to talk through the situation. You are also welcome to submit a report through the Racism Report Tool to start conversations.
We want to make sure folks feel empowered in their decision making. Our advisors will be transparent in the options presented and up to which point a formal complaint can be withdrawn.
The information submitted is collected in an SLC internal software. A limited number of employees have access to the software and will review the report submitted. Information collected will also be used as aggregate data and identifiable information will be removed for any reporting purposes. Information will be used in policy development/revisions and creation of proactive measures.
The information is confidential and used by relevant staff members responding to the report submitted. The software restricts access to specific parties and is not shared widely across the college.
Yes, we encourage any SLC community member to submit a report. If you don’t know the names of the individuals involved, an advisor will connect with you for support.
It is contrary to this procedure for anyone to retaliate, engage in reprisals or threaten to retaliate against an individual or individuals involved in any process related to this procedure for:
- having pursued rights under this procedure or the Ontario Human Rights Code;
- having participated or co-operated in an investigation under this procedure or the Ontario Human Rights Code; or
- having been associated with someone who has pursued rights under this procedure or the Ontario Human Rights Code.