Support and reporting resources amid the conflict in Israel and Palestine
December 18, 2023
The following is a non-exhaustive list of support and reporting resources amid the conflict in Israel and Palestine and its ongoing impact on students. We understand that this is an exceptionally difficult time for Palestinian, Israeli, Arab, Muslim and Jewish students.
Supports at Western Law
- For personal counselling, contact Euan Fraser Tait at lawwell@uwo.ca
- For academic support/consideration, contact Associate Dean (Academic) Andrew Botterell at abottere@uwo.ca
Sunil Gurmukh (Assistant Dean, EDID) is here for you if you want to talk, share your experiences, strategize about solutions, and/or need help navigating the reporting or complaints processes at Western University. Please email sgurmukh@uwo.ca and to schedule a time to meet. His office hours, when classes are in session, are Mondays from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Supports at Western University
- Book a mental health appointment by calling 519-661-3030 or visit uwo.ca. Same-day crisis appointments are available Monday-Friday until 4:30 p.m.
- Canadian Mental Health Association after-hours crisis support is available on Mondays in-person at Thames Hall rm. 2170 and Thursdays virtually from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Email studentcrisisappointment@cmhatv.ca for an appointment
- Counselling is available through USC PurpleCare or SOGS health plans:
- JD students: ca/purplecare/en/mywellness
- Graduate students: Call 1-833-628-5589, or check studentcare.ca
Good2Talk also provides 24-hour confidential support services for postsecondary students in Ontario. Call 1-866-925-5454 or text GOOD2TALKON to 686868.
Additional crisis support services are at uwo.ca/health/crisis.html
Togetherall is “a new resource for Western University students to have free, 24/7 access to anonymous peer-to-peer support”. Finally, Wellness Navigator is a new digital tool that you can use to “find all the supports & resources available to you, both on and off-campus, to help support your mental health & well-being”.
Culturally-specific supports at Western and in London
- Resources for Jewish students via Hillel Western
- Report Antisemitism on campus through Hillel and Hillel will follow up with you. Hillel can help you file a report or complaint on an anonymous basis or alongside you. You can also reach out directly to Katie Goldig (Hillel Western) at Goldig@hillelontario.org
- Counselling: Students can receive up to six counselling sessions at a subsidized cost with Hillel Ontario therapist, Yael Greenwood. Make an appointment at counselling@hillelontario.org
- Social Events, meals, holidays, community - Follow Hillel Western on Instagram @hillelwestern or get connected to staff by emailing western@hillelontario.org
- Spiritual guidance for Jewish students via Chabad at Western and the Jewish Chaplain
- Social support, counselling, spiritual care and support and therapeutic grief groups for Muslim students via the Muslim Resource Centre for Social Support and Integration (MRCSS)
- Email intake@mrcssi.com
- For more information, follow the MRCSS on Instagram @mrcssilondon or get connected with staff by emailing admin@mrcssi.com
- Support for Muslim sudents is also available in the community
- Social support – London Muslim Mosque on Fridays and Wheable on Thursdays
- Social worker – London Islamic School on Tuesdays
- Outreach Worker – Muslim Wellness Centre on Friday
- Counselling for Muslim students via the Islamic Society of North America
- Counseling for Muslim women students via the Nisa Helpline
- Email info@nisahelpline.com
Reports and complaints at Western University
Western University’s Non-Discrimination/Harassment/Sexual Misconduct Policy
Western University’s Non-Discrimination/Harassment/Sexual Misconduct Policy applies to all members of the Western University community, including students, staff, faculty and volunteers. It applies to all members of the Western University community in their interactions with other members of Western University community, including online.
It prohibits, among other things:
- Discrimination based on the prohibited grounds in Ontario’s Human Rights Code, including creed (religion), sex, race, ancestry, place of origin, ethnic origin and colour
- Harassment based on the prohibited grounds in Ontario’s Human Rights Code and personal harassment.
You can report discrimination and harassment via an online form on the website of the Human Rights Office (HRO) or by emailing humanrights@uwo.ca. You may make an anonymous report. However, this may limit the ability of HRO and Western to respond and take action.
If the report is not anonymous, HRO will follow-up with you to offer information and support. In most cases, HRO will offer you a confidential consultation meeting. The HRO will explain the options available to you, which include:
- Alternate resolution
- A formal Complaint and Request for Investigation
The HRO is also able to review your draft Complaint and Request for Information or other materials.
You need not make a report to the HRO to file a Complaint and Request for Investigation.
To file a Complaint and Request for Investigation, your complaint is sent to the Office of the Associate Vice-President, Human Resources (jobrien@uwo.ca). A complaint must contain the following elements:
- Be in writing
- Be within the jurisdiction of Western (i.e., those involved are employees or students at Western. Note that the Affiliated Colleges each have their own policies and procedures)
- Fall within the scope of the policy
- Be filed within one year from the date of the last incident
- Provide sufficient details and information (names of involved parties, dates, times, places of incidents and enough information for the respondent to reply to the allegations. Please see section VII, 3 of the Procedures for Policy 1.35- Non-Discrimination/Harassment.
Western University Code of Student Conduct
Western University’s Code of Student Conduct applies to all students of Western University. It also prohibits violations of the Non-Discrimination/Harassment/Sexual Misconduct Policy by students and applies online.
More broadly, the Code of Student Conduct requires that students observe:
A standard of conduct that will contribute to the University’s mission and that will support an environment conducive to the intellectual and personal growth of all who study, work and live here. This responsibility includes respecting the rights, property, and well-being of other members of the University community and visitors to the campus and not engaging in conduct that could reasonably be seen to endanger or adversely affect the health, safety, rights, security or property of the University, its members and visitors.
Complaints can be made via an online reporting form on the website of the Student Support and Case Management office or to the Office of the Associate Vice-President (Student Experience) by emailing studentconduct@uwo.ca.
