Concordia's response to events in the Middle East
Find more about how our university is responding and how to access support.
The last few months have been a very difficult time for many members of our community. The continuing violence and tragic loss of life in the Middle East has caused immense pain and division across the world, including at Concordia.
There is no place for hate or discrimination in our community. We are committed to providing an environment on campus where academic freedom, and the respectful, civil exchange of thoughts and ideas is valued and protected.
Several teams across the university have been working hard to support those affected in our community, including reaching out directly to impacted staff and students and increasing support services.
We have also taken steps to address ongoing tensions on campus. A working group of faculty and staff experts on mediation and conflict resolution has been formed to provide advice and make recommendations. We continue to engage open dialogue with student groups and community leaders to foster a culture of listening and mutual respect.
Responding to and reporting incidents of discrimination and hate
We want to remind everyone that all forms of discrimination, including racism, antisemitism and Islamophobia, will never be tolerated at Concordia. Any form of abuse and harassment based on identity or for any other reason is prohibited.
We are treating reports that we receive with the utmost seriousness, and so we strongly urge you to report any incidents of this. Here is how to report:
Contact the Office of Rights and Responsibilities (ORR)
rights@concordia.ca
514-848-2424, ext. 8659
Any member of the Concordia community can contact the ORR, whether they are the victim of an instance of abuse, harassment, discrimination, threats, violence or witness to any incident. Additionally, steps will be taken to address concerns about reprisals. Contact the ORR to learn more.
Additional external resources and support on reporting hate crimes
- Canadian Anti-Hate Network
- Quebec Human Rights Commission
- Report a hate crime with the SPVM
- Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Hate Crime
- The Government of Canada’s Victim Services Directory helps connect individuals with victim service providers across Canada.
Support
Support for students
Crisis and mental health/medical resources
Mental health phone & text support (both on-campus and external resources): Helplines and listening services provide short-term counseling, as well as confidential, empathetic listening. Several services are available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
Mental health appointments. Review all the resources within Concordia’s network of care for timely access to services. Note: there are limited appointments.
Academic accommodations
We know that some students may find it difficult to focus on their studies at this time. Depending on your situation, an academic accommodation may be an option to minimize the adverse effects of medical or other concerns on your academic progress.
Need to talk? Or seeking someone to simply listen?
Peer Wellness Ambassadors are fellow students trained in active listening. They can help you talk through an issue or direct you to more resources on campus and beyond.
Spiritual guidance
At the Multi-Faith and Spirituality Centre, a chaplain, interfaith facilitator or member of the multi-faith network are available for one-on-one consultations in matters of faith, spirituality, values, ethics, relationships, and the self.
Support for staff
Concordia's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a strictly voluntary and confidential counselling, referral, and information service that provides a broad range of services to eligible employees and their immediate family. Services in English and French are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at no cost.
Travel guidance
If you are travelling outside of Canada for work, research or study purposes, you are encouraged to register your trip with Campus Safety and Prevention Services.
Consult the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada to get information and advice about travel safety, risks, advisories and more.
Support for everyone
Active Listening Service: Offered in one-on-one sessions, Active Listening is meant to provide a supportive, non-judgmental space where Concordians can feel listened to, understood and supported.
Ensuring safety and security on campus
Concordia’s Campus Safety and Prevention Services (CSPS) team works 24/7 and security coverage has increased in key areas across the campus in recent months.
Students, faculty and staff can contact CSPS at any time if they feel unsafe by emailing security@concordia.ca. If you are in immediate danger and are on campus, call CSPS at 514-848-3717.
We take the safety of our community very seriously. Should any person – whether they are a member of our community or not – violate our Code of Rights and Responsibilities, we will take swift action and ensure that said person(s) are held accountable for their actions.
Diversity of perspectives
Concordia is a large, global university community with a diversity of perspectives. The freedom to hold, consider and debate different views within a university is essential to Concordia’s values. Concordia’s diversity — of thought, experience, culture, religion, language — forms the core of what makes us a uniquely cosmopolitan community. Universities are privileged spaces for teaching, learning and research, where the respectful and free exchange of ideas is at the core of our mission. However, to be successful in our mission, all members of our community —whether they are Jewish, Palestinian or otherwise part of the rich mosaic of Concordia’s culture— must feel able to express their views, to display their identity, to be heard, and to be safe from physical violence.
As always, consideration should be given to Concordia’s Code or Rights and Responsibilities and members of our community should be mindful of making clear any distinction between institutional and individual stances. Community members should also be aware of Quebec Bill 32 (“An Act respecting academic freedom in the university sector”) and the University’s Policy on Academic Freedom.
