Introduction to Diversity

1. Introduction to Diversity

2. Who We Are… Centre for Human Rights at York University Mandate Create a climate of understanding and acceptance of the principles and spirit of the Ontario Human Rights Code through public education; and resolution of complaints arising from allegations of discrimination and harassment as defined in the Code and York’s Policies Work the Centre does includes human-rights based Public education Information and referral Intake Early resolution and mediation Investigation Consultations Awareness-raising events Resource centre

3. What do we do? • We provide human rights, diversity, and social justice related training & events, including a resource centre • We assist and support students, staff, and faculty • We help to resolve complaint relating to human rights violations as listed under the OHRC, which includes sexual harassment. • Complaints may be: • Student  Student/Staff/Faculty • Staff  Student/Staff/Faculty • Faculty  Student/Staff/Faculty

4. What do you know about me?

5. The Power of Assumptions What have these assumptions taught you about me? How might this information impact your interactions with me?

6. What do you know about each other?

7. Extended Nametag On your nametag write answers to the following questions: One thing you would not know by looking at me A word that describes a time when I felt excluded A place where I feel welcomed or included A word to describe “diversity”

8. Diversity – a definition: “The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect. It means understanding that each individual is unique, and recognizing our individual differences.  These can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies. It is the exploration of these differences in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment. It is about understanding each other and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity contained within each individual.” Source: http://gladstone.uoregon.edu/~asuomca/diversityinit/definition.html

9. D I V E R S I T Y Literacy Level Culture/ Ethnicity Other, etc. Language/ Accent Spirituality/ Religion Power & Privilege Age Sex Mental/Physical Abilities Immigrant/ Refugee Status Gender identity Race / Racialization Sexual Orientation Socioeconomic Status Adopted from the Power Flower (Source: Arnold, R., Burke, B., James, C. & Martin, D. (1991) Educating for a Change, Toronto, ON: Between The Lines)

10. Age Ethnicity Ancestry Biological Sex Ability Sexual Orientation Birth place Race or Colour Parts of Who We Are That We Do Not Choose

11. Parts of Our Who We Are That We May Choose: Work Content/Profession Work Location Personal and recreational habits Religious/faith practices Marital status Whether we study, what we study Where we live

12. My Group Assumptions • Stereotypes that people have of a group that you belong to • What you want us to know about your group • What you never want to see, hear or experience again as a member of this group • What you want your allies to do

13. How to Contact Us Centre for Human Rights South Ross 327 Phone: 416-736-5682 TTY: 416-650-8023 Email: rights@yorku.ca Website: www.yorku.ca/rights