Nondiscrimination Policy
The University of Ottawa's Faculty of Law (Common Law), adheres to the Ontario Human Rights Code which states that: "Every person has a right to equal treatment with respect to services, goods and facilities, without discrimination because of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, same-sex partnership status, family status or disability." R.S.O. 1990, c. H.19, s.1; 1999, c.6, s.28 (1); 2001, c.32, s.27 (1).
Education Equity
The Education Equity Office focuses on increasing the participation of persons from groups such as racial and cultural minorities, Aboriginal peoples, lesbians, gay men and bisexuals, persons with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged persons.
Activities include advising the Admissions Committee, developing recruitment and outreach strategies, and examining the present legal studies content and structure to ensure that the curriculum does not perpetuate racism, sexism or other discriminatory attitudes or approaches. These principles ensure that all students have every opportunity to participate in the academic and social activities offered at the Faculty of Law.
An academic support program has been developed to assist those students whose life experiences and lack of immediate university studies may make the transition to legal studies more difficult.
Students are encouraged to suggest changes both within and outside the classroom to ensure that their experiences in the Common Law Section are intellectually and personally stimulating. Students are also invited to initiate activities that will bring their ideas and concerns to the attention of the legal community.
The goals and objectives of the Education Equity program are set out below.
Goal 1: To increase the participation of groups which have been subject to systemic barriers and structural disadvantages by actively implementing policies aimed at enhancing the presence of these groups into the law school environment.
Objectives:
- To develop policies that achieve an environment free of barriers, harassment, and discrimination for women, Aboriginal peoples, members of visible, linguistic and ethnic minorities, gays, lesbians and bisexuals, persons with disabilities and those at a socioeconomic disadvantage.
- To implement mechanisms which will increase awareness within and outside the Law School regarding education equity and its purposes.
- To promote respect for, and acceptance of, the unique characteristics and well being of diverse communities at the Law School.
- To actively recruit candidates for Law School by implementing outreach and recruitment strategies locally and nationally.
Goal 2: To provide the necessary academic and social support to make students feel comfortable in our community.
Objectives:
- To offer an academic support program to students who, for a variety of reasons, are not accustomed to mainstream educational structures.
- To offer a social support program to students who, for a variety of reasons, lack role models in the legal profession and who, in the initial and transitional phase, are new and unfamiliar to the Law School and the region.
- To advise campus student services providing reasonable accommodation to students who have special needs.
Goal 3: To remove all systemic barriers to legal education; to create an environment that maximizes opportunities for all students; and to create the most dynamic and culturally interesting law school community possible.
Objectives:
- To play an active role in the admission of students by participating in the decision making process.
- To participate in the review of Law School curriculum to ensure diverse perspectives are presented and that all students are given the opportunity to study in a supportive academic environment.
- To support the continuing education of teaching staff in order that teachers are cognizant of, and respect diverse perspectives in class.
- To assist in identifying and promoting standards of responsibility and fostering a high level of professional conduct amongst teachers, students and staff.
Student Organization Contact Information
No details provided.
Faculty Contact Information
Jessica Simon
Manager, Equity and Academic Success – Student Services
Phone: 613.562.5800, ext. 8891
E-mail: jsimon@uottawa.ca
Administrator Contact Information
No details provided.
Course Titles and/or Descriptions
No details provided.
Domestic Partnership Benefits
No details provided.
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