ERIC Number: ED420255
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1998-May
Pages: 28
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: ISBN-0-88799-329-X
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Religious Observance Accommodation in Ontario Universities. Discussion Paper.
Reed, Carole Ann
This paper highlights the religious accommodations that Ontario (Canada) universities have undertaken to create an inclusive, supportive learning community for all students, faculty, and staff. It outlines the demographic changes and public policy surrounding religious accommodation issues in Canada and in Ontario in particular, focusing on the Ontario Human Rights Code policy on creed and accommodation of religious observance. The paper then discusses some of the multifaith tensions present in Ontario university communities, including the lack of clarity of basic definitions, secularism, ambivalence toward religious expression, discrimination, diversity within diversity, intergroup tensions, and discrepancy of views concerning current accommodation measures. The paper describes the accommodation needs of different groups, including Muslims, Hindus, Jews, and other groups, along with successful accommodations for worship and ceremonial space, athletic facilities, residence life, and classroom and food service issues. Finally, the paper discusses social climate issues, such as harassment, dress and modesty requirements, curriculum, and counseling and health services. (MDM)
Descriptors: Christianity, Civil Liberties, Dress Codes, Educational Policy, Food Service, Foreign Countries, Higher Education, Interpersonal Relationship, Islamic Culture, Judaism, Public Colleges, Public Policy, Religion, Religious Cultural Groups, Religious Differences, Religious Discrimination, Sex Differences, State Universities
Council of Ontario Universities, 180 Dundas Street West, 11th Floor, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1Z8, Canada; phone: 416-979-2165; fax: 416-979-8635; http://www.cou.on.ca
Publication Type: Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Policymakers
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Council of Ontario Universities, Toronto.
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A