EDI in a Global Context

EDI in a Global Context

Offering compassion and care for our community in difficult times.

At the University of Toronto, we understand how current and global affairs, including ongoing conflicts, natural disasters, as well as discrimination in Canada and abroad, may have profound impacts on members of our community. We recognize that as people navigate their work and learning environments during times of global strife and crisis, they may require very different types of programs, services, supports, and resources.

To support the community and to sustain the principles of inclusion and belonging, the Office of Human Rights, Equity & Inclusion (OHREI) will bring together engagement and education opportunities and available resources from across U of T. We encourage you to explore them below.

Community Supports

Community programming, resources, and other offerings

Institutional Resources

Tri-Campus Equity Offices
Tri-Campus International Offices
Concerns & Complaints
Mental Health Supports
Responding to the Impact of World Events
Dates of Recognition, Observance & Celebration
Multi-Faith Centre
UTogether
Supports for prospective students affected by geopolitical and humanitarian crises
Scholars at Risk Programs
U of T International
Community Safety Office
Family Care Office
Sexual Violence Prevention & Support Centre

Community Supports for October 6th-9th

At this challenging time, we recognize the importance of spaces of care and comfort where our communities can find support for complex emotions. Office of Human Rights, Equity & Inclusion, in collaboration with community partners across the tri-campus, has been coordinating and compiling programming and resources to support U of T community members. 

The spaces identified in the links below are open to U of T students, staff, faculty, and librarians.

This page will be updated as existing resources are enhanced and new ones are established.

Programming, resources, and more

The spaces identified in the links below are open to U of T students, staff, faculty, and librarians. This page will be updated as existing resources are enhanced and new ones are established.

Resources and Supports for Broader University Community

Across the world, many communities are facing difficult and rapidly evolving circumstances. We recognize that these challenging times—no matter where they occur—can deeply affect members of our University of Toronto community in different and complex ways. During times like these, spaces of care, reflection, and connection are especially important.

The resources linked below offer supportive environments where students, staff, faculty, and librarians can decompress and reflect. These spaces remain open and available to anyone seeking comfort, conversation, or community.

Drop-In Supports for Broader Community Members October 6-8

Decompression and Support Spaces at UTM

UTM Student Affairs and Services Office and UTM Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Office are hosting decompression and support spaces at UTM. Campus community members are invited to drop-in for snacks, tea, and calming de-stressor activities. This space is open and available to students, staff, faculty and librarians seeking comfort, conversation, or community.

Location: DV 3138
Date: October 6-8, 2026
Time: 11:30am – 1:30pm 

Decompression Days at UTSC

The UTSC Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Office (EDIO) and Campus Safety present Decompression Days. Enjoy a variety of activities including colouring, button-making, puzzles, and journalling, or simply stop by between your classes/meetings to make space for rest and ease.

Complimentary snacks and beverages will be provided. No registration required. This event series is open to the UTSC community.

Location: AC 321 (EDIO)
Date: October 6-8, 2026
Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm 

Community Resources 

The following are some culturally responsive community organizations that may be helpful at this time. Please note that these agencies operate externally to the Office of Human Rights, Equity & Inclusion (OHREI) and the University of Toronto. These are all third-party websites, and we are not responsible for their content.

Sudanese Community Supports

Sudanese Community Association of Ontario

Provides capacity building, settlement and other supports to members of the Sudanese community.

Loyan Foundation

Focused on the needs of East African communities, Loyan offers a wide range of programs and services that promote mental health and wellbeing.

African Community Services of Peel

Hosts daily drop-in services and culturally appropriate supportive counselling and referrals for Black/African community members.

Venezuelan/Caribbean/Latinx Community Supports

Caribbean African Canadian Social Services

Offers mental health and well-being programs, as well as culturally sensitive counselling and support groups for those who self-identify as Caribbean African Canadians.

Hispanic Development Council

Provides non-judgmental supportive counselling and crisis intervention services to Spanish-speaking community members of all ages.

Madison Community Services – Hispanic Program

Offers mental health services in Spanish and programs tailored to Spanish speaking clients.

South Asian Community Supports

Soch Mental Health Services

Works to enhance the mental health literacy of South Asians through education, prevention, and resilience-building initiatives, including grief therapy programs. 

SouthAsianTherapists.org

Home of the largest global community of South Asian therapists, including therapists of Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Afghani and Nepali heritage. 

South Asian Canadian Health & Social Services (SACHSS)

SACHSS provides programs focused on health education and promotion, mental health, addictions, stress and anger management. Services are provided in Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, Tamil, Gujarati, Malayalam, Arabic, French and English.  

Other Culturally-Specific Health and Wellness Services in the GTA

The UTM Health & Counselling Centre has created a detailed list of culturally specific resources available in the GTA. 

Explore culturally specific community resources

Additional Supports

The University offers a number of services, tools and resources on the UTogether page help students, faculty, staff and librarians have a safe and supportive campus experience.

For supports for students, including immediate crisis support and counselling, head to mentalhealth.utoronto.ca.

For supports for staff, read more about the Employee and Family Assistance Program.

Personal Safety

The U of T Campus Safety App is a helpful resource to support the safety and well-being of our community. The app includes features such as: 

  • Live Chat with Campus Safety staff, available on all three campuses 24 hours/7 days a week; and 
  • Virtual TravelSafer, which allows Campus Safety to monitor a user’s route by user request when coming to or leaving one of U of T’s campuses until reaching a destination.
  • If you are walking or travelling alone between University buildings, parking lots, and transit stops near campus, you may request a free escort via the app.

For additional safety and wellness resources available to students, staff, faculty and librarians, please visit safety.utoronto.ca.

Resources and Supports for Iranian Community Members

We wish to acknowledge the unique emotional, academic, and social pressures Iranian community members may be experiencing at this time — whether related to war, displacement, political unrest, family separation, or academic stress. We understand this may be an emotionally complex time. Please know that you are not alone, and that support is available.

Personal Safety

The U of T Campus Safety App is a helpful resource to support the safety and well-being of our community. The app includes features such as: 

  • Live Chat with Campus Safety staff, available on all three campuses 24 hours/7 days a week; and 
  • Virtual TravelSafer, which allows Campus Safety to monitor a user’s route by user request when coming to or leaving one of U of T’s campuses until reaching a destination.
  • If you are walking or travelling alone between University buildings, parking lots, and transit stops near campus, you may request a free escort via the app.

For additional safety and wellness resources available to students, staff, faculty and librarians, please visit safety.utoronto.ca.

Wellness Supports

In collaboration with PSEC Health and Wellness, OVPS Student Mental Health Systems, and the Multi-Faith Centre, a number of wellness supports, including designated drop-in gathering spaces, onsite and virtually counselling sessions have been provided periodically for Iranian community members. Please continue to refer to the EDI in the Global Context webpage for updates on resources, supports, and ongoing educational programming.

For additional supports for students, including immediate crisis support and culturally relevant counselling for Iranian community members, head to mentalhealth.utoronto.ca.

For additional supports for staff, read more about the Employee and Family Assistance Program.

Other Community Resources

The following are some culturally responsive community organizations that may be helpful at this time. Please note, these agencies operate externally to the Office of Human Rights, Equity & Inclusion (OHREI) and the University of Toronto. These are all third-party websites and we are not responsible for their content.

Iranian Community Supports

Intercultural Iranian Canadian Resource Centre (I2CRC)

Membership based, I2CRC offers peer support programs, yoga and arts-based initiatives in a therapeutic environment, stress management and mental health supports.

Iranian Mental Health Centre

Offering services in both Farsi and English, provides counseling, support groups, and community programs tailored to the needs of the Iranian community.

Iranian Women’s Organization of Ontario

Offering services in both Farsi and English, provides counseling, mental health clinics, support groups, as well as yoga, meditation and art classes for Iranian women.

IranianPsychologist.org

Global listing of Iranian psychologists, with local in-person and online counselling options.

Parya Trillium Foundation

Parya provides one-on-one counselling sessions for all ages in their preferred language, with members entitled to 5 sessions free. Counselling services available in Farsi, English, and Spanish.

For ongoing updates, please see the Community Updates page of the UTogether website.

For additional resources, you can also consult the Supports and Safety page. 

Resources and Supports for Jewish and Israeli Community Members 

Drop-In Supports October 6 & 7
Wellness Supports

In collaboration with PSEC Health and Wellness, OVPS Student Mental Health Systems, and the Multi-Faith Centre, the following wellness supports are being offered to the UofT community:

Designated, drop-in gathering spaces have been set up at the Multi-Faith Centre as a quiet space for community members. Water, coffee, and tea are provided.

Date:  Tuesday, October 6 and Wednesday October 7,  10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Location: Quiet Room (KP307), 3rd floor, Multi-Faith Centre

For additional supports for students, including immediate crisis support and culturally relevant counselling for Jewish community members, head to mentalhealth.utoronto.ca.

For additional supports for staff, read more about the Employee and Family Assistance Program.

Personal Safety

The U of T Campus Safety App is a helpful resource to support the safety and well-being of our community. The app includes features such as:

Live Chat with Campus Safety staff, available on all three campuses 24 hours/7 days a week; and

Virtual TravelSafer, which allows Campus Safety to monitor a user’s route by user request when coming to or leaving one of U of T’s campuses until reaching a destination.

If you are walking or travelling alone between University buildings, parking lots, and transit stops near campus, you may request a free escort via the app.

For additional safety and wellness resources available to students, staff, faculty and librarians, please visit safety.utoronto.ca.

Other Community Resources  

The following are some culturally responsive community organizations that may be helpful at this time. Please note, these agencies operate externally to the Office of Human Rights, Equity & Inclusion (OHREI) and the University of Toronto. These are all third-party websites and we are not responsible for their content. 

Jewish Community Supports

For ongoing updates, please see the Community Updates page of the UTogether website.

For additional resources, you can also consult the Supports and Safety page. 

Resources and Supports for Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim Community Members

Drop-In Supports October 8 & 9
Wellness Supports

In collaboration with PSEC Health and Wellness, OVPS Student Mental Health Systems, and the Multi-Faith Centre, the following wellness supports are being offered to the UofT community: 

Designated, drop-in gathering spaces have been set up at the Multi-Faith Centre as a quiet space for community members. Water, coffee, and tea are provided. 

  • Dates:  Thursday, October 8 and Friday October 9, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm 
  • Location:
    • October 8 – Meeting Room (KP310), 3rd floor, Multi-Faith Centre;
    • October 9 – Quiet Room (KP307), 3rd floor, Multi-Faith Centre

For additional supports for students, including immediate crisis support and culturally relevant counselling for Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim community members, head to mentalhealth.utoronto.ca.

For additional supports for staff, read more about the Employee and Family Assistance Program.

Personal Safety

The U of T Campus Safety App is a helpful resource to support the safety and well-being of our community. The app includes features such as:

Live Chat with Campus Safety staff, available on all three campuses 24 hours/7 days a week; and

Virtual TravelSafer, which allows Campus Safety to monitor a user’s route by user request when coming to or leaving one of U of T’s campuses until reaching a destination.

If you are walking or travelling alone between University buildings, parking lots, and transit stops near campus, you may request a free escort via the app.

For additional safety and wellness resources available to students, staff, faculty and librarians, please visit safety.utoronto.ca.

Other Community Resources

The following are some culturally responsive community organizations that may be helpful at this time. Please note, these agencies operate externally to the Office of Human Rights, Equity, and Inclusion (OHREI)  and the University of Toronto. These are all third-party websites and we are not responsible for their content.

Palestinian and Arab Community Supports
Muslim Community Supports

For ongoing updates, please see the Community Updates page of the UTogether website. For additional resources, you can also consult the Supports and Safety page.

Institutional Resources

Geopolitical and humanitarian crises around the world impact the lives of students, faculty, librarians, and staff at U of T. Provided below are some institutional resources available to the U of T community for ongoing support, consultations, and education.

Tri-Campus Equity Offices

Our tri-campus Equity Offices, including the EDIO at UTM and UTSC, provide advice and guidance; complaints resolution support; and year-round educational programming.

Tri-Campus International Offices

Our tri-campus International Offices, including the Centre for International Experience at St. George, the International Education Centre at UTM, and the International Student Centre at UTSC, offer a range of programs and services to support international students, as well as global learning and intercultural opportunities for all students.

Concerns & Complaints

Support is available to assist students, faculty, librarians, and staff in reporting discrimination or harassment and finding a resolution.

Mental Health Supports

Students can access mental health programs, tools, and counselling services through U of T’s Student Mental Health Resource hub. Faculty, librarians, staff, and their families have access to mental health support through the Employee & Family Assistance Program.

Responding to the Impact of World Events

The Office of the Vice-Provost, Students provides a list of resources for students who need support in response to a world event.

Dates of Recognition, Observance & Celebration

Learn about annual dates of local, national, and international significance, as well as the traditions celebrated by many in our community.

Multi-Faith Centre

The Multi-Faith Centre supports the spiritual well-being of students on the St. George campus and provides opportunities for students to learn from each other while exploring questions of meaning, purpose and identity.

UTogether

Connect to additional community resources available to students, faculty members, staff, and librarians.

Supports for prospective students affected by geopolitical and humanitarian crises

The School of Graduate Studies has an FAQ for non-U of T students currently enrolled in graduate studies abroad who are considering coming to U of T.

Scholars at Risk Programs

Undergraduate and graduate students whose current or proposed program of study has been impacted by changing political environments in their country of current or future study, including changes in immigration law, can apply for SAR funding from anywhere in the world.

U of T International

The Office of the Vice-President, International works to deepen U of T’s global impact and to engage in meaningful reciprocal partnerships around the world.

Community Safety Office

The Community Safety Office offers support and assistance to U of T community members who have experienced personal safety concerns.

Family Care Office

The Family Care Office provides confidential guidance, resources, referrals, educational programming, and advocacy for U of T community members and their families.

Sexual Violence Prevention & Support Centre

The Sexual Violence Prevention & Support Centre has locations on each campus to help students, staff, and faculty who have been affected by sexual violence or sexual harassment access support, services and accommodations.