What can I do if I feel harassed or discriminated against? (CLB 8)
Forms of Discrimination
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Discrimination can take many forms. It can occur through words or actions. Sometimes discrimination is obvious; other times it can be harder to recognize. A person can suffer discrimination from another person, an organization, a process or an institution.
Actions or words that are unwelcome or hostile and that are linked to one of the grounds of discrimination (e.g. gender or race) are considered harassment. For example, if a co-worker tells a racist joke in the workplace, he or she is committing racial harassment. If a teacher makes sexual comments or advances towards a student, the teacher is committing sexual harassment.
Sometimes discrimination takes place within a particular organization or institution and becomes a part of how that organization or institution operates. This is called systemic discrimination. The Canadian justice system, for instance, has had to respond to charges of systemic discrimination in its treatment of visible minorities.
Protection Against Discrimination
If you are experiencing problems and feel discriminated against there are organizations in your area that can help you. For more information about services available in your community, contact your local Community Information Centre.
According to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, it is illegal to discriminate against people because of:
• Age
• Ethnic or national origin
• Mental or physical disability
• Race or colour
• Religion or creed
• Sex/gender
• Sexual orientation
The Human Rights Code is Ontario's anti-discrimination law. It is enforced by the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario.
Even though it is illegal, harassment and discrimination do occur. It is important to know that you can get help and what you can do if you feel that you have been a victim of discrimination or hate. It is not always easy to know exactly what to do, especially if you experience someone yelling at you on the street. The most important thing is to take action when you feel threatened or are afraid.
Listen to activity
Discrimination can take many forms. It can occur through words or actions. Sometimes discrimination is obvious; other times it can be harder to recognize. A person can suffer discrimination from another person, an organization, a process or an institution.
Actions or words that are unwelcome or hostile and that are linked to one of the grounds of discrimination (e.g. gender or race) are considered harassment. For example, if a co-worker tells a racist joke in the workplace, he or she is committing racial harassment. If a teacher makes sexual comments or advances towards a student, the teacher is committing sexual harassment.
Sometimes discrimination takes place within a particular organization or institution and becomes a part of how that organization or institution operates. This is called systemic discrimination. The Canadian justice system, for instance, has had to respond to charges of systemic discrimination in its treatment of visible minorities.
Protection Against Discrimination
If you are experiencing problems and feel discriminated against there are organizations in your area that can help you. For more information about services available in your community, contact your local Community Information Centre.
According to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, it is illegal to discriminate against people because of:
• Age
• Ethnic or national origin
• Mental or physical disability
• Race or colour
• Religion or creed
• Sex/gender
• Sexual orientation
The Human Rights Code is Ontario's anti-discrimination law. It is enforced by the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario.
Even though it is illegal, harassment and discrimination do occur. It is important to know that you can get help and what you can do if you feel that you have been a victim of discrimination or hate. It is not always easy to know exactly what to do, especially if you experience someone yelling at you on the street. The most important thing is to take action when you feel threatened or are afraid.