Pink Shirt Day 2023

On Feb. 22, join us for Pink Shirt Day - when UVic students, staff and faculty wear pink to stand against bullying and harassment. 

Bullying is a pervasive problem in Canada and our campus is no exception. As a community, we can show each other we care by wearing pink on Feb. 22. It’s a small and meaningful gesture that shows everyone at UVic that we stand for kindness.

If you are affected by discrimination, harassment or bullying at UVic, please reach out to the Office of Equity & Human Rights for advice and support.

Resources & support

Here at UVic, there are resources, training, community-building funds and more to support a more welcoming and inclusive university.

Education & workshops

Step In, Speak Up
Intended for new-to-UVic students Step In, Speak Up training will introduce you to the concepts of pro-social bystander intervention and community expectations.

Anti-oppression education
UVic’s anti-oppression education program is open to all employees and students. The training is titled Kil Kaahl_Gaalangdal – “Hear Someone’s Voice Before You See Them”: Anti-Oppression Key Principles, Knowledges, and Equity-Focused Action-Based Frameworks. It is offered on a regular basis through Learning Central.

Workplace bullying and harassment prevention
There is mandatory workplace bullying and harassment prevention training for all UVic employees. If you’re looking for a refresher, there are quick guides available for staff & faculty and for supervisors.

Review UVic Libraries' guide on Anti-racism and Anti-oppression to access more learning resources.

Funds

Student Life Grants
Students can apply for a Student Life Grant (SLG) to fund initiatives that engage and positively impact the UVic community. The SLG Anti-Racism Supplement supports initiatives that address racism and engage anti-racism strategies on campus.

Faculty and Staff Anti-Racism Initiative (ARI) Grants
Anti-Racism Initiative Grant applications are open annually and for faculty and staff to share their proposals to better embed anti-racist practices in teaching and learning to support the student experience at UVic.

Equity Action Plan

We invite you to review UVic’s new Equity Action Plan with key actions UVic has committed to take to advance equity, diversity, inclusion, and to create conditions where everyone feels like they belong. There are also reflection and action guides for campus members to use to join in the work.  

Mental Health

Support Connect & Student Wellness Centre
SupportConnect is available 24/7 for free, confidential mental health support for UVic students. You can also meet with a counsellor, doctor, nurse or spiritual care provider through the Student Wellness Centre.

Employee Family Assistance Program
UVic staff, faculty and dependents can find support through our employee and family assistance program (EFAP). EFAP is a confidential program that includes professional counselling, information and referral services.

About Pink Shirt Day

Pink Shirt Day started in 2007 when a group of highschool students in Nova Scotia wore pink in response to homophobic bullying at their school. Since then, the initiative has taken off, raising more than $2,686,000 to support youth anti-bullying programs in Western Canada and showing people across the country that bullying is not okay.