University of Guelph president Alastair Summerlee has accepted a report from the Institute on Governance (IOG) that reviews the operations of Guelph’s Human Rights and Equity Office (HREO). The consulting firm began the review in August, guided by a steering committee chaired by Don O’Leary, U of G vice-president (finance and administration).

HREO is responsible for assuring, to the full extent possible, that Ontario Human Rights Code issues related to discrimination, harassment and human rights are resolved fairly and expeditiously within the university community through both independent and collaborative processes.

From the IOG report: “Overall, the review found that the University’s discharge of its responsibilities under its current human rights and equity policies meets high standards, given the breadth of the mandate and resources allocated. The University’s track record on human rights and equity are held in high regard within the institution by students, faculty and staff alike, and the culture of the University is broadly supportive of greater understanding, awareness and progress.”

The Institute on Governance is an independent not-for-profit public-interest organization providing knowledge, research and advice on governance issues. The full report is available online at www.uoguelph.ca/president/.

As a result of this review, Summerlee will initiative a search for a new HREO director. Brenda Whiteside, associate vice-president (student affairs), is currently serving as interim HREO director and will continue in that role until a new director is hired.