TORONTO, November 1, 2005 -- York University’s Office of the Ombudsperson and Centre for Human Rights officially opens its doors to the York community today.

 

Ombudsperson and Director of Human Rights Fiona Crean and her staff will play an important role in serving the needs of York’s 60,000-member community, advocating for fairness of process and upholding the Ontario Human Rights Code.

 

“The creation of this office is a measure of York’s willingness to be scrutinized and its commitment to inclusiveness, reflecting a long-standing tradition at York,” says Crean. “It is a courageous move and a vital component of good governance and accountability for any democratic institution. We operate at arm’s length, as a place of last resort within the institution.”  

 

A committee of the York University Senate recommended in March 2004 that the position of Ombudsperson be created. Reflecting pioneering models used in evolving democracies, York combined two offices – the new ombudsperson’s office and a Centre for Human Rights – in recognition that many complaints of discrimination and harassment are connected to those of unfairness. These enhanced services are available to everyone at the university – whether students, faculty or staff.

 

The Office of the Ombudsperson and Centre for Human Rights, which has been in operation for nine months, provides an impartial and confidential process to resolve complaints and educate the community about alleged unfairness of process or human rights violations, including race, sexual identity, disability and gender.

 

Crean notes the challenge is to keep the university’s systems accountable, appreciate and integrate diversity into the university, and ensure that equity is central to York’s services. “I am heartened by the community’s sense of engagement, by people’s willingness to take risks,” says Crean. “That is how we advance a culture of fairness and human rights.”

 

“The establishment of this office demonstrates once again that York is keeping pace with the community’s commitment to equity and protection of human rights,” says Dr. Lorna Marsden, President and Vice-Chancellor of York. 

The Open House will be held Tuesday Nov. 1, 2005 from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Office of the Ombudsperson and Centre for Human Rights, South 327 Ross Building on York’s Keele campus. Members of the media are welcome to attend.

 

To learn more about the Office of the Ombudsperson and Centre for Human Rights, see www.yorku.ca/ombuds.

 

For more information, contact:

Janice Walls, Media Relations Coordinator, York University, 416-736-2100 x22101/ wallsj@yorku.ca