Combating Racism & Hate

Algonquin College’s Commitment to Combating Racism and Hate

Algonquin College is dedicated to supporting a diverse and inclusive campus community. Our policy aims to address all forms of racism and hate, including anti-Indigenous racism, anti-Black racism, antisemitism, and Islamophobia. The goal is to create a safe and respectful environment for everyone. Our policy aligns with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Ministry of Colleges and Universities Directive on Anti-Racism/Anti-Hate. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, safe, and caring environment, preventing and addressing racism and hate, and supporting dialogue and education.

The policy SA 18: Combating Racism and Hate, can be read in full here.

Principles:

  1. Inclusivity: We are committed to an inclusive educational, working, and living environment.
  2. Action: We take meaningful actions to prevent and eliminate racism and hate.
  3. Proactive Measures: We educate, support dialogue, and address systemic discrimination.
  4. Seriousness: All reports of racism and hate are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly.
  5. Timely Response: Responses to incidents are timely, effective, and proportionate.
  6. Academic Freedom: We respect academic freedom, scholarly independence, and freedom of speech.
  7. Ongoing Review: We continuously review and update our policies with an anti-racism lens.
  8. No Retaliation: Individuals can report incidents without fear of retaliation or reprisal.

Reporting Incidents:

  • Immediate Danger: If someone’s safety is at risk due to racism or hate, contact Security Services (available 24/7) at 613-727-4723 ext. 5000 or visit Security Office A149.
  • Employee-Related Incidents: Report incidents involving employees or the workplace through the HR22 Respectful Workplace procedure.
  • Student Conduct: Report incidents related to student behavior through the SA07 Student Conduct policy.
  • Anonymous Reports: Make anonymous reports of racism or hate at Integrity Counts or call the hotline at 1-866-921-6714.
  • Ombudsman Services: For confidential and impartial resolution of college-related concerns, including racism or hate, contact the College Ombudsman.

Resources and Support:

Public Reporting: We will publicly report on our efforts to combat racism and hate in compliance with the Ministry’s requirements. These annual reports will be available on this website starting January 31, 2026.

What is Considered Hate?

There are five specific offences listed as hate propaganda or hate crimes in the Criminal Code of Canada:
1. Advocating genocide (Criminal Code section 318.1); for example, an individual advocates for deliberately destroying any identifiable group, in whole or in part
2. Public incitement of hatred where likely to lead to a breach of the peace (section 319.1); wherein a subject wilfully promotes hatred against any identifiable group. For example, a protest leader incites violence against a specific identifiable group
3. Willful promotion of hatred (Criminal Code section 319.2); anyone who, by communicating statements other than in private conversation, wilfully promotes hatred against an identifiable group. The statement can be spoken, written, or recorded and can include gestures, signs, photographs, and drawings
4. Willful promotion of antisemitism (Criminal Code section 319 (2.1)); for example, making, writing or publishing antisemitic articles that promote Holocaust denial narratives
5. Mischief motivated by hate in relation to religious property (Criminal Code section 430 (4.1)); for example, vandalizing a place of worship such as a church, synagogue, a temple, gurdwara or mosque.