DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT PREVENTION Section: No: Effective Date: Revised: Approved by: Human Resources 7.30 March 1997 September 2000, February 2008, October 2008 (and renamed), December 2011, October 2013 President POLICY Medicine Hat College is committed to a healthy, respectful, and harassment-free environment for all members of the college community. This policy, along with the College’s Discrimination and Harassment Prevention and Complaint Resolution policy, is intended to prevent and deal with discrimination and harassment efficiently and effectively. Medicine Hat College fosters a climate of respect and will not tolerate discrimination or harassment of members of the college community. Definitions Member of the college community: A member of the college community means any employee, student, or any person who utilizes the services or facilities of Medicine Hat College. Complainant: Is a person who comes forward with a complaint that he or she has experienced harassment or discrimination. Respondent: Is a person who is alleged to be a harasser or responsible for discrimination. Prejudice: Prejudice is defined as an opinion or judgment, frequently unfavourable, based on irrelevant considerations, inadequate knowledge or inaccurate stereotyping. Discrimination: Discrimination is defined as unjust practice or behavior, whether intentional or not, based on race, religious belief, colour, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability, mental disability, marital status, family status, source of income, age, ancestry, or place of origin and which has negative effect. The Alberta Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of the above enumerated grounds. Complaints on these specific grounds may be referred directly to Alberta Human Rights at any time by the complainant. MEDICINE HAT COLLEGE POLICY DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT PREVENTION No person acting on behalf of Medicine Hat College shall deny employment or academic admission, discriminate in the terms and conditions of employment or admissions, or refuse to continue to employ, educate or serve any person based on a prohibited ground of discrimination. No person acting on behalf of Medicine Hat College shall deny, or discriminate against, any person or group of people with respect to accommodation services or facilities customarily available to the public. Note: a practice based on any of the above enumerated grounds, even where its effect is negative, will not constitute discrimination if the practice is a bona fide occupational requirement. Harassment Harassment is defined as the abusive, unfair, or demeaning treatment of a person or group of persons which is known or ought reasonably to be known as unwelcome. In the context of the above definition, examples of harassment include: a) verbal or physical abuse; b) bullying, ridicule, threats, intimidation, or practical jokes that result in awkwardness or embarrassment; c) offensive signs or images; or d) derogatory remarks, jokes, innuendo or taunts; or e) objectionable and unwanted behaviour with no legitimate educational or work related purpose, which: (i) constitutes misuse of authority or abuse of an unequal institutional power relationship; (ii) implies that submission to or rejection of such conduct is used explicitly or implicitly as a condition for employment or education, or assessment decisions affecting the individual; (iii) has the effect of interfering with an individual’s or group’s work performance or educational experience; or (iv) constitutes a clear pattern of mistreatment that is known, or ought reasonably to be known, to be severe enough to have the effect of creating an intimidating, humiliating, hostile or offensive educational or work environment. Sexual Harassment Sexual harassment is any unwelcome behaviour of a sexual nature, such as unwanted sexual advances, unwanted requests for sexual favours, and other unwanted verbal or physical conduct or contact of a sexual nature. Examples of sexual harassment include: a) unwanted sexual solicitation, especially that of a repeated, persistent, or abrasive nature; b) sexually-oriented or gender-based remarks and/or behaviour directed towards an individual or group that may be perceived by a reasonable person to create a negative psychological and emotional environment for work and/or study; MEDICINE HAT COLLEGE POLICY DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT PREVENTION c) remarks, jokes, or innuendos about sex or sexual orientation where the speaker has been advised, or should otherwise be aware, that such comments are offensive or demeaning or where they are by their nature offensive or demeaning; d) leering or other offensive or sexually suggestive or obscene gestures; e) derogatory or degrading remarks used to describe or which are directed toward employees of one sex or sexual orientation; f) the display or distribution (either mechanically or through the use of electronic media and e-mails) of sexually explicit or otherwise offensive material (Note that an exception to this is where the material is used for educational or academic purposes.); g) refusing to work with people because of their sex or sexual orientation; h) advances, invitations, or propositions of a sexual nature or repeated invitation after previous requests have been refused; i) persistent unwanted contact or attention after the end of a consensual relationship; j) any explicit or implicit advances, invitations or propositions of a sexual nature which might, on reasonable grounds, be perceived as placing a condition on a person’s employment, work assignment, compensation or benefits or on any opportunity for training, promotion or career development; k) unwarranted inquiries or comments about a person’s personal life; l) unwanted physical contact, including touching, patting, rubbing, pinching, etc; m) verbal abuse or threats of a sexual nature; n) indecent exposure, stalking or sexual assault; o) any implied or expressed promise of reward or threat of consequence for complying or not complying with a sexually oriented request; p) when submission to such conduct as set out above is made either explicitly or implicitly a term of, or condition of, an individual’s employment or education; q) wh e n submission to, or rejection of, such conduct as set out above by an individual affects that individual’s employment or education or individual’s academic evaluation or performance review; Discipline The management and Board of Governors of Medicine Hat College reserve the right to implement employee discipline. Under no circumstances will reasonable discipline of an employee by his or her employer constitute harassment. Confidentiality The College will make every effort to ensure that any complaint made pursuant to this Policy is kept in confidence except as necessary to investigate and to respond to any legal and/or administrative proceedings arising under this policy or otherwise. Complainants and respondents are expected to maintain confidentiality. MEDICINE HAT COLLEGE POLICY DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT PREVENTION Human Rights Advisor(s) The President, on behalf of the College, shall designate a Human Rights Advisor, or Human Rights Advisors, who shall report to the President or designate on matters dealing with this policy. The Advisor(s) shall be selected on the basis of appropriate qualifications, and accessibility. Advisors shall be appointed for a term of three years, renewable. In addition, a contact person shall be designated from Brooks Campus and shall report to the Advisor on the main campus who will then handle the complaint. Human Rights Advisory Committee The Human Rights Advisory Committee is an advisory committee to the President on matters related to human rights, exclusive of individual complaints and is chaired by an executive member of MHC. Its purpose is: To promote human rights within the college community; To develop and implement initiatives that provide awareness, education and information about human rights to the college community; To monitor the policy and procedures on Discrimination, Harassment and Sexual Harassment and to recommend changes where appropriate; and To provide an annual report on the Committee’s activities to the President. Discrimination and Harassment Prevention and Complaint Resolution See Medicine Hat College’s Discrimination and Harassment Prevention and Complaint Resolution policy (attached) for more information on how complaints of harassment or discrimination are resolved. MEDICINE HAT COLLEGE POLICY DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT PREVENTION DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT PREVENTION AND COMPLAINT RESOLUTION (written in context with Policy 7.30 above) Medicine Hat College Policy 7.30 – “Discrimination and Harassment Prevention” – sets out in general terms what is meant by harassment and discrimination. This Policy sets out the procedures and interventions developed by the College to deal with allegations and situations of discrimination and harassment and to prevent them from occurring. Behaviours need not be intentional in order to be considered discriminatory or harassing. Medicine Hat College is committed to a healthy, respectful, and harassment-free environment for all members of the college community. Notwithstanding this policy and the Discrimination and Harassment Prevention policy, complainants and respondents shall maintain their rights to take any action available to them either through collective agreements, courts of law, or the Alberta Human Rights Commission. 1. Education It is the goal of Medicine Hat College to educate all members of the college community about the nature and impact of discrimination and harassment, and about the processes of resolving problems/complaints. This will include presentations, awareness campaigns, and the preparation and campus-wide distribution of brochures and posters outlining the policy and procedures. 2. Interventions The College has adopted four approaches for resolving the concerns of a member of the college community who believes he/she may have been subject to discrimination or harassment: direct, informal, formal and external approaches. In all cases the rights of the alleged victim and the rights of the alleged perpetrator must be respected and reputation preserved until a decision has been reached by an authorized third party in accordance with the policies and procedures. 2.1 Direct approach Request that the Behaviour Cease Any member of the college community who believes that she or he has been subjected to harassment or discrimination is encouraged to make a direct request of the individual(s) concerned that the behaviour(s) cease. It is recognized that power imbalance, intimidation, and other factors may make this approach inappropriate or unwise and that an individual may need assistance in resolving his or her specific concern. Request Assistance A member of the college community may request assistance from a Human Rights Advisor, counsellor, student association representative, faculty association or union representative, , supervisor, manager, dean or director. MEDICINE HAT COLLEGE POLICY DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT PREVENTION Consult with the Human Rights Advisor Any person, who is unsure of how he or she should respond, whether or not he or she should make a formal complaint, or if the conduct or behaviour constitutes harassment or discrimination under the policy, should request a confidential consultation with a Human Rights Advisor. This consultation should take place promptly after the incident giving rise to the complaint so as to facilitate a timely resolution. The Human Rights Advisor will review the concern, assist the person to identify appropriate ways of responding to the situation, review the procedures, provide information on any alternative complaint procedures available, and advise that the complainant must be prepared to be identified to the respondent by name in any informal or formal resolution of the complaint. Consultation with a Human Rights Advisor does not commit the individual to filing a complaint. However, the Human Rights Advisors have an obligation to inform the President or designate with or without the consent of the complainant where appropriate. The College retains the right to pursue an investigation if warranted. 2.2 Informal Resolution The objective of the informal stage of resolution is for the complainant to meet with the Human Rights Advisor to confirm a discriminatory or harassing behaviour has occurred, and if so, to find an acceptable resolution. As per the Discrimination and Harassment Prevention policy, the college will make every effort to ensure all information is kept confidential. The Human Rights Advisor shall: 1. Inform the complainant of the policies and procedures; 2. Advise the individual whether there appears to be grounds to proceed within the terms of the College policy on discrimination and harassment; 3. Discuss methods of resolution available; and 4. Advise the complainant of avenues of redress available within and outside the college. If the complainant wishes to proceed with the complaint internally, he or she shall provide the Advisor with a written description of the alleged harassment or discrimination, including dates, times, locations, others present, what occurred, and the complainant’s response to the incident. The written complaint must be made within 6 months of the incident, or most recent of a series of incidents of harassment or discrimination. Investigation Once a written complaint is received by the Human Rights Advisor, an investigation will be undertaken as soon as possible and all necessary steps taken to resolve the problem. If a complaint is filed through the Student Association, the Faculty Association or AUPE as a grievance, a meeting will be held with the association or union representative before and after the investigation. MEDICINE HAT COLLEGE POLICY DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT PREVENTION Within 15 working days of receipt of the written complaint, the Advisor shall: 1. Attempt to interview the respondent as well as individuals who may be able to provide relevant information to determine if the allegation appears to have merit or not, 2. Attempt to inform the respondent of the policy and procedures on discrimination and harassment; and 3. Attempt to discuss the nature of the complaint with the respondent. The respondent shall have the opportunity to provide a written response to the complaint. If the respondent chooses to submit a written response, the Human Rights Advisor shall set reasonable timelines for submission of the response. If the respondent has authority over the complainant, the Advisor may request that the President appoint a third party to evaluate and/or supervise the complainant’s work until the complaint has been resolved. Mediation Either party may request mediation as part of the informal resolution process, but it will be arranged only with the consent of both parties. The mediator, who may be the Human Rights Advisor or another member of the College community or an external third party mediator, shall not have punitive power. The mediator shall seek resolution of problems by mutual agreement of the complainant and respondent. Both the mediator and the format of the mediation process must be acceptable to both parties. It is expected that both complainant and respondent shall cooperate with the mediation process. Failure to do so may result in the case being referred to the Formal Resolution process. Withdrawal of Complaint The complainant may, at any time during the informal procedure, withdraw the complaint. Such a request must be put in writing. The College may pursue an investigation with or without the consent of the complainant where appropriate. The respondent will be notified accordingly. Summary Dismissal of Complaint If, in the opinion of the Human Rights Advisor, the complaint is frivolous, vindictive or vexatious, the Human Rights Advisor may submit a written recommendation to the President that the complaint be summarily dismissed, along with reasons for the recommendation. The President or designate retains the discretion to implement the summary dismissal and, if necessary, to provide a remedy to the respondent and/or take disciplinary action against the complainant. Written Request for Formal Resolution If either party or the Human Rights Advisor is not satisfied with the informal resolution he or she may submit a written request for formal resolution to the President or designate of the College, or pursue the avenues of redress available outside of the College. MEDICINE HAT COLLEGE POLICY DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT PREVENTION 2.3 Formal Resolution The formal resolution stage can begin when: 1. After ten days the respondent does not reply to requests of the Human Rights Advisor for an interview; or 2. if any attempt is made by the respondent to intimidate, manipulate, or retaliate against the complainant; or 3. the outcome of the informal resolution did not satisfy both parties; or 4. at the recommendation of the Human Rights Advisor. If the respondent has yet to file a written response to the complaint, he or she will be allowed a second opportunity to do so upon submission by either party or the Human Rights Advisor of a written request for formal resolution. Upon submission of a written request for formal resolution, the Human Rights Advisor shall forward a copy of the complaint and any response filed by the respondent to the President or designate, along with the request if it was submitted to the Human Rights Advisor. The other party shall immediately be informed of the request and the details of the complaint. The President or designate shall appoint a Discrimination/Harassment Review Committee as per the policy. Discrimination/Harassment Review Committee See Section 4.5 below for more information regarding the Committee. The complainant and respondent shall be notified of the Committee composition. Within 5 working days either party may challenge, for reasonable apprehension of bias, any individual’s membership on the Committee by advising the President or designate in writing. The Discrimination/Harassment Review Committee shall be provided with copies of: the complaint; any response(s); the request for formal resolution; the Discrimination and Harassment Prevention policy; and the Discrimination and Harassment Prevention Procedures and Complaint Resolution policies. The Committee may call upon the Human Rights Advisor as a resource person. The Committee shall: a) Request and consider information from both parties which might enable them to find witnesses or other supporting evidence; b) Investigate the allegations; c) interview parties to the complaint and witnesses as required; and d) Report its findings and recommendations to the President or designate within sixty (60) days of completing its investigation. MEDICINE HAT COLLEGE POLICY DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT PREVENTION The Committee is free to develop appropriate practices and procedures to investigate and conduct interviews properly and confidentially. Both parties must be informed of their right to be accompanied by a representative. If a union or professional association is present at this stage, it shall be without prejudice to any subsequent grievance or action taken under the terms of the relevant collective agreement or contract. Resolution by the President Within 20 days of receipt of the Discrimination/Harassment Review Committee’s report and recommendations, the President shall dispose of the complaint and in doing so may do any of the following: impose an appropriate sanction; provide remedy for the complainant; or exonerate the respondent. The appropriate criterion for a decision in this process is ‘proof on a balance of probabilities’, meaning the standard of greater likelihood, the standard in civil litigation. If it is concluded that the allegation has merit, considerations affecting administrative action should include: - the severity of the behaviour; whether the behaviour was intentional or unintentional; whether the offense is an isolated incident or involves repeated acts; and mitigating or aggravating circumstances affecting any party. The range of remedies may include, but are not limited to: written or oral apology; reassessment of academic work (e.g. examination or essay); or transfer out of a particular class or work area. The President might also order, depending on the seriousness of the offense and the respondent’s relationship with the College, sanctions against the respondent which include, but are not limited to: ceasing to have any contact with the other party; dismissal; expulsion; suspension; mandatory sensitivity training or counseling; and/or reprimand. Where a complaint is found to be justified, the College will attempt to make reasonable efforts to protect the complainant or anyone providing information from any subsequent harassment, discrimination, or reprisal which might arise as a result of the complaint. Where the complaint is found to be frivolous, vindictive, or vexatious, the President may provide a remedy for the respondent and/or may take appropriate disciplinary action against the complainant. MEDICINE HAT COLLEGE POLICY DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT PREVENTION The President will inform the respondent and the complainant of the decision of the Discrimination/Harassment Review Committee and confirm in writing any remedial action or changes that may be required to prevent future complaints. Complainant’s Rights Throughout the Resolution Process a) To file a complaint and have it dealt with in a timely fashion, without fear of reprisal; b) to have a person of the complainant’s choice accompany him/her during the process; c) to make sure that no record of the complaint is placed on the complainant’s student or personnel file, as long as it was made in good faith and was not frivolous, vindictive or vexatious; d) to be informed about the process and progress of the complaint; e) to be informed of the type of corrective measures that will result from the complaint; and f) to receive fair treatment. Respondent’s Rights Throughout the Resolution Process a) To be informed of the filed complaint; b) to be given a written statement of the official allegations, and to respond to them; c) to have a person of the respondent’s choice accompany him/her during the process; d) to be informed that the process could result in a record on a student or personnel file; e) to be informed about the process and progress of the complaint; and f) to receive fair treatment. Confidentiality The College will make every effort to ensure that any complaint made pursuant to this Policy is kept in confidence except as necessary to investigate and to respond to any legal and/or administrative proceedings arising under this policy or otherwise. Complainants and respondents are expected to maintain confidentiality. Conflict of Interest Should the nature of a complaint place any of the Administrators responsible for acting under these procedures in a conflict of interest, a member of the Executive team who has no involvement in the situation will be responsible for identifying an alternative Administrator. When the respondent is a Dean, Director, Manager or College Executive, the complaint will normally be referred to an external investigator who shall fulfill all the responsibilities of the Human Rights Advisor. The external investigator will be selected by the President or designate preferably from a list of investigators who are members of the Canadian Association for the Prevention of Discrimination and Harassment in Higher Education (CAPDHHE). MEDICINE HAT COLLEGE POLICY DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT PREVENTION The external investigator’s report shall include an opinion on whether harassment or discrimination occurred and may include recommendations for resolving the complaint. This report will be submitted to the President or designate (or the Board of Governors should the complaint involve the President) for resolution and right of appeal would be to the Board of Governors. 2.4 External Resolutions A complainant also has the right to contact the Alberta Human Rights Commission to file a complaint of discrimination based on the prohibited grounds defined under the Alberta Human Rights Act. In the case of alleged harassment, a complainant also has the right to take legal action or, if circumstances warrant, a charge may be filed with the police. In the event that the complainant decides to pursue the complaint through the Alberta Human Rights Commission, he or she shall advise the Human Rights Advisor. No further action shall be taken by Medicine Hat College on the complaint, pending the findings of the Alberta Human Rights Commission. In the event that the complainant decides to pursue legal civil action through the courts, or to file charges with the police, he or she shall advise the Human Rights Advisor. No further action shall be taken by Medicine Hat College on the complaint, pending the outcome of court action. 3. Appeals Any disciplinary action taken as a result of harassment or discrimination or a complaint alleging harassment or discrimination may be subject to grievance under the relevant collective agreement or appealed to the President. Employees covered by a collective agreement are able to use the grievance procedures outlined in the respective agreement. All others are able to appeal to the President. If an employee proceeds under the grievance procedure outlined in the applicable collective agreement, an appeal to the President is not allowed. Appeals to the President or designate shall occur within fifteen working days of the decision being communicated to the individual and be in writing. Any decision by the President respecting an appeal under this procedure will be final. 4. Roles and Responsibilities 4.1 Responsibility of Members of the College Community It is the responsibility of every member of the College Community to behave respectfully, and contribute towards a healthy, discrimination-free and harassment-free environment. MEDICINE HAT COLLEGE POLICY DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT PREVENTION 4.2 Responsibility of Students It is the responsibility of every student within the college to behave respectfully and contribute towards a healthy, discrimination-free and harassment-free environment. 4.3 Responsibility of Management It is the responsibility of every person within this college who supervises one or more person(s) to take timely and appropriate action to report incidents of discrimination and harassment of any type to the Human Rights Advisor, whether brought to their attention or personally observed. Under no circumstances should a legitimate complaint be dismissed or downplayed nor should the complainant be told to deal with it personally. 4.4 Responsibilities of the Human Rights Advisors The responsibilities of the Human Rights Advisor include: 1. Handling initial complaints in discrimination and harassment cases; 2. Coordinating the collection of data on complaints and their disposition; 3. Coordinating investigation procedures as appropriate on complaints; 4. Providing mediation between complainant and respondent, if appropriate; 5. When requested, providing a recommendation to the President or designate, or Discrimination/Harassment Review Committee on the disposition of a complaint; 6. Promoting awareness and understanding of the issues outlined in this policy to all members of the College community; 7. Developing and implementing an educational program that addresses the prevention of discrimination and harassment; 8. Collaborating with administrative, student, faculty and support staff leaders in endeavouring to maintain an environment free from all forms of discrimination and harassment; 9. Reviewing the implementation of this policy and suggesting changes; 10. Maintaining membership with the Canadian Association for the Prevention of Discrimination and Harassment in Higher Education (CAPDHHE); 11. Pursuing professional development to continue to enhance skills in investigation and in the promotion of human rights and harassment prevention; and 12. Maintaining appropriate documentation of complaints, investigations and outcomes. 13. In the case where a new Human Rights Advisor is appointed, all related files must be transferred to the new incumbent(s). Documentation Regarding Complaints Written records regarding complaints and investigations shall be kept in a secured area, approved by the President or designate, and may be used for statistical purposes only, with the following exceptions: MEDICINE HAT COLLEGE POLICY DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT PREVENTION In the case of repeated infringements by a respondent or complainant, the President or designate, and – in cases of formal resolution, the Discrimination/Harassment Review Committee – shall be given a written report on the previous cases involving the respondent. Such report will contain the dates, the general nature of the complaint(s) and any resolution; or, By court order. If the investigation fails to find evidence to support the complaint, there will be no documentation concerning the complaint placed in the file of the respondent. If the incident is found to be justified it will be documented in the respondent’s file. No documentation will be placed on the complainant’s file where the complaint is filed in good faith and not found to be frivolous, vindictive or vexatious, whether the complaint is upheld or not. If no further complaints against a respondent are received within 3 years, the documentation concerning the complaint will be destroyed. 4.5 Roles and Responsibilities of the Discrimination and Harassment Review Committee Accountability The Discrimination/Harassment Review Committee is accountable to and must submit a report to the President following the hearing process in formal resolution cases. Frequency of Meetings The Discrimination/Harassment Review Committee is appointed to deal with specific situations and will meet as often as necessary to review evidence, establish recommendations, and write its report. Membership The Discrimination/Harassment Review Committee is chaired by the President or designate and its membership shall be comprised as follows: a) A balanced, but not necessarily equal, number of male and female members; b) One representative from each of the constituencies of faculty, support staff, administration, and the student body; c) Optional representation from the Board of Governors; and d) Additional representation at the discretion of the President or designate. 4.6 Roles and Responsibilities of the Human Rights Advisory Committee Purpose The purpose of the Human Rights Advisory Committee is outlined in the Discrimination and Harassment Prevention Policy. Accountability The Human Rights Committee is advisory to the President or designate. Frequency of Meetings Approximately four times a year. MEDICINE HAT COLLEGE POLICY DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT PREVENTION Membership The committee shall be comprised of the following representatives: Vice President, Medicine Hat College or designate Director, Human Resources Human Rights Advisors (1) Students Association (1) Student (1) Faculty (1) AUPE support staff (1) Student Services (1) International Education (1) Brooks Campus (1) Members at large (up to 4)
© Copyright 2026 Paperzz