Posting the Ontario Human Rights Code in the classrooms would send a clear signal to students and faculty regarding appropriate and acceptable conduct. It has also been suggested that the Code or institutional harassment policies be referenced in course outlines and student handbooks. Faculty and administrators need training on anti-harassment and discrimination in order to gain a better understanding of the impact of social diversity on all aspects of postsecondary. The introduction of General Education into the college curriculum will provide increased opportunities for students to expand their awareness of gender, race and culture issues. Proper institutional complaints procedures, which ensure due process, are vital in the adjudication of harassment cases.
Many colleges now have such policies and procedures in place.
The availability of professional counselling services would also be helpful in dealing with the psychological consequences of harassment and discrimination. These harassment remedies, along with institutional policies on zero tolerance, will help create learning environments in which there is mutual respect for the dignity and rights of each individual. Gail Benick is Professor of Community and Health Services at Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario.