This month, Queen’s launched its annual Together Against Hate campaign, which this year includes new guidance on how members of the university community can respond when they witness hate, harassment, or discrimination.

The new Be An Upstander resources encourage people to identify harmful behaviour and choose safe, effective ways to act. An upstander might question a discriminatory comment, decline to participate in a harmful joke, check in with the person affected, seek help, or report an incident.

“Many people want to support others when they witness hate or discrimination, but they may be unsure of what to do or concerned about making the situation worse,” says Stephanie Simpson, Vice-Principal (Culture, Equity, and Inclusion). “These resources offer practical options for responding safely and remind us that meaningful action can take many forms.”

The campaign introduces the PART approach to help people assess a situation and decide how to respond. It asks witnesses to Pause and notice their feelings, Assess whether they are safe, Reflect on whom they feel comfortable approaching, and Talk or Tell using a calm and direct response.

The guidance stresses that being an upstander does not require confrontation. Depending on the circumstances, someone may approach another witness, check in with the person targeted, seek outside support, or respond later. Personal safety and capacity should guide every decision.

The Be An Upstander material expands the resources available through Together Against Hate. Queen’s first launched the campaign in 2024 to connect students with information about hate and discrimination, mental health and campus supports, and reporting options.  

The new material reflects feedback from student groups, Employee Resource Groups, the Queen’s Anti-Hate Advisory Group, and university faculty and staff.

Social media advertising, posters, and digital screens are sharing the campaign across campus through December 10.

Visit the Together Against Hate and Be An Upstander webpages for more information.