University of Calgary

Rights, Responsibilities, Services and Resources

Guiding Principles

The principles guiding the University of Calgary’s approach to these matters is found in the University’s Statement on Principles of Conduct. Discrimination and harassment are incompatible with these principles of conduct, violate the rights and dignity of individuals or groups of individuals, are contrary to human rights law and will not be tolerated at the University of Calgary.

Academic Freedom and Freedom of Inquiry

The right to academic freedom and freedom of inquiry is central to a university’s purpose and values and University of Calgary students, staff and faculty have the right to challenge existing beliefs and discuss controversial ideas. However, the privilege of academic freedom is accompanied by the responsibility to respect the right of every person to work and study in an environment free of prohibited discrimination and harassment.

Discrimination

Discrimination, whether intentional or unintentional, is unfair, differential treatment of individuals and groups based on prejudice, stereotypes, ignorance, and fear, for which there is no bona fide or reasonable justification and which imposes burdens, obligations, or disadvantages on individuals or groups as defined under the Alberta Human Rights Act. The Act prohibits discrimination on the following grounds: race, religious beliefs (includes Native Spirituality), colour, gender (being male, female or transgender), physical or mental disability, age, marital status, family status, ancestry, place of origin, source of income, sexual orientation or political beliefs. The University of Calgary is governed by the Act.

Harassment

Harassment is a form of discrimination, which involves unsolicited and unwelcome attention from a person who knows or reasonably ought to know that such behaviour is unwelcome. Such unwelcome comment or conduct is intimidating, threatening, demeaning, or abusive and may be accompanied by direct or implied threats to grades, status or job. Harassment has the impact or effect of creating a hostile or poisoned work or study environment and limits individuals in their pursuit of education, research or work goals. Harassment can be discriminatory, sexual or personal in nature.

Discriminatory Harassment

Discriminatory harassment takes the form of unwelcome behaviour directed toward another person or group of persons based a prohibited ground of discrimination. Racial and religious harassment are examples of discriminatory harassment.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is a particular form of discrimination based on gender and is specifically defined in the University’s Sexual Harassment Policy. The Sexual Harassment Office is located in Math Sciences 261 and the Sexual Harassment Adviser is available to all members of the University community on a confidential basis for advice and assistance in dealing with concerns about sexual harassment, which may manifest itself in a wide range of behaviour.

Relationships Between Students and Faculty

While the University does not forbid consensual intimate relationships between students and faculty, such relationships are fraught with risks for both the student and the faculty member and strongly discouraged. Anyone contemplating such a relationship is advised to carefully consider the information provided in Consensual Sexual Relations Between Students and Faculty. If a relationship cannot be avoided, the faculty member is responsible for complying with the University’s Conflict of Interest guidelines, which require s/he make arrangements to excuse him/herself from any supervisory or evaluative role regarding the student concerned.

Personal Harassment

Personal harassment is harassment not based on any of the prohibited grounds as stated in human rights legislation but generally abusive, insulting and degrading conduct for which there is no legitimate purpose. Personal harassment can take a variety of forms. Obvious bullying behaviours include public humiliation; personal insults and name-calling; persistent criticism; spreading malicious rumours; freezing out, ignoring or excluding; and constantly undervaluing effort. Other less obvious bullying behaviours include removing areas of responsibility; deliberately sabotaging or impeding work performance; refusing to delegate; constantly changing work deadlines; withholding necessary information; over-monitoring, especially with malicious intent; setting up individuals to fail (example: impossible deadlines); blocking applications for leave/promotion; and instigating complaints from others to make the individual appear incompetent.

Criminal Harassment

Some types of harassment involve both human rights legislation and criminal law. Stalking, physical and sexual assault are all forms of criminal harassment.

Impact and Consequences of Harassment

If someone has harassed you, you may find that you cannot concentrate, that you cannot sleep or eat, that you cry when you do not want to, that you begin to doubt your own abilities and judgment, that you feel that you cannot cope and have no idea where to begin to deal with your feelings, that you are afraid, or that you are developing health problems.