View source for York University, Ontario Policy on Hate Propaganda

'''Type''': Policy

'''Status''': Approved on 5/2/01

'''Source File''': http://www.yorku.ca/secretariat/policies/document.php?document=19

'''Text''':

'''Guidelines'''<br>
York University reaffirms its commitment to provide an environment conducive to freedom of enquiry and expression where all members of the community may learn, teach, work and live, free from prejudice, inequality and discrimination based on grounds enumerated in the Ontario Human Rights Code. In such an environment there is no place for hate propaganda.

In furtherance of such an environment, York University publishes the following guidelines.

'''1. WHAT IS HATE PROPAGANDA?'''<br>
Hate propaganda is the public promotion or incitement of hatred against an identifiable group. Hate propaganda targets persons and/or property, based on such factors as colour, race, religion, or ethnic origin (Section 318 (4) of the Criminal Code of Canada). York University identifies sex, sexual orientation and gender identification as additional factors.

'''2. WHY IS HATE PROPAGANDA WRONG AND ILLEGAL?'''<br>
Hate propaganda causes harm to individuals and to society as a whole. It harms individuals by diminishing them in their dignity and self-worth. It harms society as a whole by encouraging hostility, discrimination and violence.

As well as undermining individual dignity and social harmony, hate propaganda creates a menacing environment incompatible with learning and self-growth, and is antithetical to the objects and purposes of York University as defined in section 4 of the York Act:
:(a) the advancement of learning and the dissemination of knowledge; and
:(b) the intellectual, spiritual, social, moral and physical development of its members and the betterment of society.

Disseminating hate propaganda is also a Criminal Code offense and may be subject to prosecution under Sections 318 (advocating genocide) and 319 (public incitement of hatred) of the Criminal Code of Canada.

'''3. WHAT ARE THE FORMS OF HATE PROPAGANDA?'''<br>
Hate propaganda may manifest itself in many different forms, whether oral or written, including but not limited to flyers, pamphlets, or posters, graffiti, recorded telephone messages, and Internet messages.

'''4. WHAT ARE THE SANCTIONS FOR DISSEMINATING HATE PROPAGANDA?'''<br>
Members of the York community who disseminate hate propaganda may be in violation of University Policies and Regulations including:
* Policy Concerning Racism
* Policy on Sexual Harassment
* Policy on Computing and Information Technology Facilities
* Guidelines for Users of Computing and Technology Facilities
* Student Code of Conduct 
:http://www.yorku.ca/univsec/policies/document.php?document=124

Specifically, students may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including suspension or expulsion from the university. Faculty or staff may be subject to discipline, up to and including discharge, as appropriate in the circumstances.

Members of the York community who disseminate hate propaganda may also be subject to criminal prosecution or other legal action.

[[Category:Colleges]]
[[Category:Human Rights]]
[[Category:Ontario]]
[[Category:Policies]]