The Office of Human Rights and Equity
The Office of Human Rights and Equity (OHRE) is a department that aims to protect and preserve the human rights of both students and personnel at Lakehead University. The OHRE primarily responds to reports of sexual and gender-based violence. Members of the OHRE attempt to remedy these incidents by providing support and accommodations to those who require it. In addition, the department also organizes educational training for both students and employees on human rights and sexual and gender-based violence. Furthermore, the office aids various faculties and departments on individual issues or committee debates. The OHRE is also responsible for implementing the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Action Plan (EDI).
The Office of Human Rights and Equity plans to make positive changes under the new leadership of Director Joy Wakefield, a lawyer with exceptional foresight who has much planned for the OHRE. In an interview with The Argus, Wakefield expressed her vision for the OHRE:
“As the new Director of Human Rights and Equity, my priority is listening to and learning from University Community members about their experiences and working on both individual and strategic-level solutions to challenges. Our office wants to respond effectively to complaints and support individuals, but we also want to ensure that we learn from each matter we work on and improve the process. We need to continue implementing the EDI Action Plan and develop awareness and education around issues on campus relating to accommodations, human rights, and sexual and gender-based violence.”
The department plans to promote the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Action Plan that was developed by Lakehead to its commitment to Universities Canada’s EDI Charter. The EDI Charter aims to dismantle barriers in regard to equity, diversity, and inclusivity at numerous universities across Canada. Lakehead University was one of the 15 universities that were awarded grants from the government to promote EDI.
Wakefield says that her plan to draw more attention to OHRE entails promoting the different goals of the EDI Action Plan to students.
“This involves a communication plan to promote awareness of the EDI Action Plan, to promote EDI principles, to incentivize implementation, develop material for departments, increase events, and profile diverse students and staff to the broader community, as well as reporting back to the University community on progress.”
The new Director and the OHRE would also like to convey a message to students via The Argus:
“Our office's message to students is that we want to hear from them! We are here to support them in their exceptional and unconventional education experience at Lakehead. We want to be a resource for students, staff, and faculty to protect their rights, and more broadly, to work with them to solve the challenges they face so that they can focus on learning.*”
The Office of Human Rights and Equity protects the rights of both students and staff alike. Everyone is encouraged to contact them if they need support or help. Contact them below. Do not be afraid to reach out!
The Office of Human Rights and Equity
https://www.lakeheadu.ca/faculty-and-staff/departments/services/human-rights-and-equity/contact
*Edited for clarity