Introduction to Diversity

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Introduction to Diversity
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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 Yorks 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

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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

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What do you know about me?
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The Power of Assumptions

• What have these assumptions taught you about me?
• How might this information impact your
  interactions with me?

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What do you know about each other?
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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

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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/diversityini
  t/definition.html

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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)
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Parts of Who We Are That We Do Not Choose

• Age
• Ethnicity
• Ancestry
• Biological Sex

• Ability
• Sexual Orientation
• Birth place
• Race or Colour

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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
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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

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How to Contact Us

• Centre for Human Rights
• South Ross 327
• Phone [phone]
• TTY 416-650-8023
• Email rights_at_yorku.ca
• Website www.yorku.ca/rights