Human Rights Policy

Langara College is committed to the principle that all members of the College community have the right to work and study in an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment. The Langara Human Rights Policy covers discrimination and harassment based on a prohibited ground of discrimination.

The prohibited grounds of discrimination/harassment are race, colour, religion, ancestry, place of origin, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, family or marital status, political belief, age, and criminal conviction unrelated to employment.

Sexual harassment is addressed under the College's Sexual Violence and Misconduct Policy. See Sexual Violence Support and Education for more information.

Accommodation

The Duty to Accommodate is a legal requirement arising out of human rights laws. Where a barrier exists, or a policy or practice has adverse consequences on an individual in a protected group, the College is obligated to accommodate those individual differences reasonably, provided it can do so without incurring undue hardship.

The Duty to Accommodate most commonly arises in the areas of disability and religion. Students who require accommodation of disabilities should contact the Accessibility Services Office. Students who require accommodation to practice the tenents of their religion should make a written request for accommodation in advance from their instructor, providing as much notice as possible. 

Students who would like more information may contact the following:

 

SSRR Office Contact Information
T Building, Room T206
Phone: 604.323.5817
Fax: 604.323.5590
Email: studentconduct [at] langara.ca (studentconduct[at]langara[dot]ca )

Director, HR Services
Phone: 604.323.5618
Office: A350
Email: hrpayroll [at] langara.ca (hrpayroll[at]langara[dot]ca) 



Accommodation of Religious & Spiritual Practice

The British Columbia Human Rights Code makes it clear that the College must not deny a service customarily available to the public or discriminate against any person or group based on religion. Section 2 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees, within certain limits, the fundamental freedom of religion. To ensure these freedoms and to protect against discrimination, Langara College implemented the Human Rights policy (B3008). This policy promotes a climate of understanding and mutual respect and prevents discrimination, harassment, and differential treatment based on one or more of the protected grounds. In keeping with the intentions of our Human Rights policy and the law, the College has established the following guidelines for the Accommodation of Religious and Spiritual Practice.

Accommodation is a collaboration between the requester and the College. It is achieved through cooperation and communication. Both parties have responsibilities in the accommodation process. 

  • The requester must make a timely request with sufficient notice so that the request can be considered and implemented before it is needed.
  • The requester must provide sufficient information about the request to aid understanding, and must provide suggestions as to the kind of accommodation requested. This could include dates/times of anticipated absences, exemption from certain activities, access to specific resources etc.
  • The receiver of the request must give full and fair consideration to the request, and ascertain how the request might be implemented. A requester is not usually required to provide “proof” of religious or spiritual observance, although it may be requested in certain circumstances.
  • The receiver is encouraged to discuss the request with the requester to obtain more information, explore options, and come to an agreement.
  • A person seeking accommodation must accept reasonable accommodation, even if it is not precisely what is wanted.
  • The receiver is required to implement the accommodation, and confirm the accommodation in writing if possible.
  • The receiver must seek expert advice if the request appears highly unusual, excessively challenging or untenable.
  • The requester must notify the receiver if needs change or if the accommodation is no longer needed. Both the requester and receiver must be willing to review and modify the accommodation agreement if circumstances change or if the agreement is no longer working.

Regardless of any accommodation that is implemented, students must meet the essential requirements of the course or program.