Discrimination
Help foster an inclusive environment
The university is committed to protecting everyone in the Dalhousie community against all forms of discrimination while working, studying, or participating in university-sponsored organizations, activities and programs.
The university operates in accordance with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act, which defines discrimination as making, “a distinction, whether intentional or not, based on a characteristic, or perceived characteristic that has the effect of imposing burdens, obligations or disadvantages on an individual or class of individuals not imposed upon others, or that withholds or limits access to opportunities, benefits and advantages available to other individuals or classes of individuals in society.”
The Act prohibits discrimination based on the following grounds or characteristics:
- age
- race
- colour
- religion
- creed
- sex (includes gender identity and gender expression)
- sexual orientation
- physical disability or mental disability
- an irrational fear of contracting an illness or disease
- ethnic, national or aboriginal origin
- family status
- marital status
- source of income
- political belief, affiliation or activity
- association with an individual or a class of individuals having characteristics referred to in the first nine points
To ensure every student has full access to Dalhousie's programs, activities, facilities and services, every effort will be made to remove or reduce barriers. Requests for academic accommodations and non-academic accommodations can be requested through the Student Accessibility Centre.
Non-academic accommodations can include:
- Physical accessibility to buildings, classrooms, and facilities
- Adaptive equipment
- Adaptive furniture, such as adjustable tables or chairs
- Appropriate room in student residence
- Private space for prayer
- Private space for breast feeding
If you need help
If you experience prohibited discrimination at Dalhousie, bring forward your complaints as soon as possible to the dean of your faculty or to Human Rights & Equity Services. Complaints of discrimination by students will be addressed through the Code of Student Conduct.