From Rummana Khan Hemani | New Bullying & Harassment Policy now in effect

The following message is sent on behalf of Rummana Khan Hemani, vice-provost and associate vice-president, students and international. It has been sent to all faculty and staff.

SFU is committed to creating and maintaining a healthy, safe and respectful learning, teaching, research and work environment in which bullying and harassment and discrimination are neither acceptable nor tolerated. 

We have heard from the University community through different inputs, including the Diversity Meter Survey, that SFU’s policies must clarify and facilitate our commitment to safety from discrimination, bullying and harassment. In response to this feedback and to comply with WorkSafe BC legislative requirements, we consulted with the SFU community last year on changes proposed to the Human Rights Policy (GP-18) and the newly proposed Bullying & Harassment Policy. 

Bullying & Harassment Policy (GP-47) now in effect

SFU’s new Bullying & Harassment Policy (GP-47) was approved by SFU’s Board of Governors on May 20, 2021, in conjunction with updates to the Human Rights Policy (GP-18). It is now in effect for all community members.

We all need to understand our rights and responsibilities when it comes to preventing, identifying and addressing bullying and harassment at SFU. Please take a moment to review this article, which outlines major components of GP-47 and what they mean for you.

Mandatory training for faculty and staff

To accompany the new policy, a Respectful Working & Learning Environment training module has been developed that outlines:

• Your role in contributing to respectful workplace and learning environments
• Where to get support if you experience bullying and harassment
• What happens when you make a bullying and harassment report

In order to comply with WorkSafe BC legislative requirements, this training is mandatory for all employees at SFU. You can learn more about the training and available supports here.

We know there is more work to be done, and we look forward to continued discussion with the community around how we can cultivate an environment at SFU where everyone feels safe, valued and respected. If you have any questions about the new policy, please reach out to bh-support@sfu.ca. 

Sincerely,

Rummana Khan Hemani
Vice-Provost & Associate Vice-President, Students & International
Simon Fraser University