The following is a sample statement from the Anthropology and Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island in Canada (ANT241H5F) syllabi:
This community-engaged learning course is based on Zoom conduct founded in respect and active listening.
This course will feature live weekly sessions on Thursdays from 11am - 1pm on ZOOM. These sessions will feature an Indigenous guest speaker each week. They will NOT BE RECORDED to maintain the privacy and integrity of the information that is presented by the honored guests.
Due to the nature of the topics and the issues raised throughout the course, this may be an uncomfortable, provocative, and challenging class that may trigger emotional responses. Some of the difficult issues raised during discussions, readings, and activities may take you places you were not expecting. We are here to learn from each other in a safe space to ensure a respectful, healthy environment that benefits everyone.
All engagement must uphold the University of Toronto’s standards of professionalism and collegial behaviours as outlined in the University’s School of Graduate Studies Calendar. The policy documents can be found here. It is the student’s responsibility to familiarize him/herself with these standards.
Equity at U of T
We are so fortunate in this course to have Elders, Knowledge holders, and Scholars share their knowledge with us. You MUST treat all guests with respect and use proper protocols. If anyone is not acting with proper respect then they will be omitted from ZOOM.
- Please wait your turn to speak. Do not interrupt any speaker. Everyone will be given a turn to speak but we must listen first.
- Please remember to show respect and deference to the Elder. Always refer to them by their proper title.
- Please remember to be respectful of any materials brought by the speakers.
- Please do not take any photographs or recordings of the sessions. The knowledge being shared with you is not for public access.
- Please do not post inappropriate comments in the chatroom and refrain from holding general conversations with other students in the chatroom.
As we all adjust to online classes and lectures, and increasingly participate in virtual learning environments, students are reminded of the expectation that we all demonstrate respect for one another. As outlined in the Student Code of Conduct, the University of Toronto does not condone discrimination or harassment against any persons or communities especially when based on grounds protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code. The University of Toronto recognizes its commitment to human rights, equity and inclusion and acknowledges the disproportionate impact COVID-19 has on various parts of our community. COVID-19 is not isolated to people of any particular ethnic origin, place of origin or race. Equity, diversity and respect must remain integral as we continue to transition during these challenging times. The institution will monitor and address discriminatory comments or behaviour including on U of T’s online platforms and classrooms.
In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, no person shall engage in a course of vexatious conduct that is directed at one or more specific individuals, and that is based on the race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age marital status, family status or disability. This includes:
- Racial slurs or “jokes”
- Insults due to racial identity
- Online posts of cartoons or pictures that degrade persons of a particular racial group
- Name-calling due to race, colour, citizenship, place of origin, ancestry, ethnic background or creed
- Pseudonyms or handles that are inappropriate about ancestry, colour, citizenship, ethnicity, place of origin, race, or religion
The University of Toronto’s Equity Services remain available to students to provide support on equity issues that arise as a result of COVID-19.
Students are encouraged to support one another and the University’s commitment to human rights and our values of diversity, inclusion, and respect in managing any inappropriate comments or disruptive behaviours. If you experience or witness inappropriate comments or behaviours in your classes, you are encouraged to contact your instructor. If you can, take and share a screenshot of the inappropriate content with your instructor so they can follow-up with you and address the conduct.
If you are a citizen of another country, and/or accessing your courses at the University of Toronto from a jurisdiction outside of Canada:
Please note that you may be subject to the laws of the country in which you are residing, or any country of which you have citizenship. The University of Toronto has a long-established commitment to freedom of expression, with this right enabled by an environment valuing respect, diversity, and inclusion. In your classes, you may be assigned readings, or discuss topics that are against the law in other jurisdictions. We encourage you to become familiar with any local laws that may apply to you and any potential impact on you if course content and information could be considered illegal, controversial, or politically sensitive. If you have any concerns about these issues, please contact your instructor directly to discuss with them.