GP 4: Equity, Diversity and Anti-Harassment Policy
| Policy Number: |
GP 4 |
Approve Date: |
September 2022 |
| Review Frequency: |
Triennial |
*May be reviewed earlier as required |
This policy applies to all College Council and Committee members, staff, including full-time, part-time, and temporary employees, and any individuals acting on behalf of the College, including volunteers. It guides the expectations of values held by consultants, contractors, as well as other stakeholders in the communities served by the College.
1. Purpose
The College recognizes the dignity and worth of every person and seeks to provide for equal rights and opportunities without discrimination that is contrary to law and has as its aim the creation of a climate of understanding and mutual respect for the dignity and worth of each person so that each person feels a part of the College and its work, and is able to contribute to fulfilling the vision, mission and mandate of the College.
2. Application of this Policy
2.1. Every person has a right to equal treatment without discrimination because of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, record of offences, marital status, family status or disability.
2.2. Every College employee and volunteer has a right to equal treatment with respect to employment or volunteer activities without discrimination because of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, record of offences, marital status, family status or disability.
2.3. Every employee has a right to freedom from harassment in the workplace by the College or any agent of the College’s or by another employee because of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, record of offences, marital status, family status or disability.
3. Policy Statements
3.1. That the College Council will demonstrate leadership regarding equity, diversity, and freedom from harassment including review of its own processes and training programs and seeking new ways for the College to strive to be responsible and answerable to its members, staff and stakeholders on these matters.
3.2. That the College delivers ongoing information, training and resource support to help all staff, volunteers, Council and committee members develop capacity to address equity, diversity and harassment issues and understand their rights and responsibilities. That such training be a fundamental part of orientation for new Council and committee members, volunteers and staff.
3.3. That the College provides guidance to Council and committee members, staff and volunteers about their roles in implementing this policy. That the College develops ways to support Council, committees and staff in incorporating specific, measurable equity, diversity and harassment provisions into their annual work and human resources plans.
3.4. Plans for outreach to prospective registrants be analyzed for sensitivity to the diversity of Alberta’s culture. That such activities be reported on in annual program reviews.
3.5. That the College actively solicits viewpoints from diverse groups within the College and in the communities, it serves and seeks to serve.
3.6. That the College’s activities in recruitment and retention of staff and volunteers have a focus on achieving equity and increasing diversity within the College.
3.7. That the College seeks to identify and work to remove barriers that limit access to its services and programs in areas such as information dissemination, human resources, physical space, and cultural difference.
3.8. That the College recognizes that everyone deserves to be treated with fairness, respect and dignity, and that the College is committed to eliminating systemic racism and advancing racial equity.