George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
George Brown Polytechnic's yearly Diversity Calendar, produced by the Office of Anti-Racism, Equity & Human Rights Services, reflects our commitment to honouring and celebrating our diverse, intersectional, and inclusive communities. The calendar highlights dates of significance and beautifully presents related artwork from equity-deserving community members.
2026 Calendar
Download a PDF of the 2026 Calendar
Physical copies of the calendar are available at any OAREHRS office or event.
Contact diversity@georgebrown.ca if you would like a large batch of calendars.
Call for submissions to the 2027 Diversity Calendar
We're looking for art to feature in our 2027 Diversity Calendar!
What we're looking for: Original artwork from equity-deserving students at George Brown that is related to significant days, weeks, or months of the year or themes such as human rights, anti-racism, Truth and Reconciliation, 2SLGBTQIA+ protection, accessibility, mental health, and action against gender-based and sexual harassment/violence. It does not specifically need to represent a particular date.
Artwork requirements: Please submit artwork as a 6" x 6" scan of physical artwork or 1920 x 1920 pixels, in high resolution (minimum 300 ppi). Accepted artwork includes paintings, digital illustrations, scanned or photographed media, poetry, and photography. Artwork using Generative AI will not be accepted. Please keep text and faces away from edges in case of cropping.
How to submit: Send your artwork file (preferably a .pdf, .png, or .jpg) with your full name for credit, a link to your portfolio or social media account, and a 140-word alt text description of the piece to AODA@georgebrown.ca. Submissions are for consideration, only the selected artists will be contacted.
Honourarium: Selected artists will receive a $75 honourarium.
Deadline: October 30, 2026
Note: We reserve the right to edit or otherwise modify submissions for formatting and accessibility. Any submissions, including but not limited to discriminatory, harassing, or hateful submissions, may be rejected without explanation at any point in the project’s lifespan.
Creed-based Accommodations
Accommodations are changes to how we usually do things, like policies, practices, norms, or expectations, that help meet people’s needs for equitable access, based on any of the protected grounds in the Ontario Human Rights Code. The duty to accommodate is a legal duty.
The Code does not explicitly define creed, but it generally includes religion; religious creed; sincerely, freely, and deeply held beliefs; and is directly linked to a person’s self-definition and spiritual fulfillment.
Your observance of a religion, culture, or other deeply held belief might include (and is not limited to) specific practices such as fasting, dietary requirements, taking time to pray during the day, wearing certain attire, or taking time off during certain times or days. If these needs conflict with your work or learning expectations, you may request creed-based accommodations.
Accommodations reduce barriers to our learning or working experiences to meet people's needs. Accommodations are individualized to your needs and situation, and usually focus on minimizing exclusion from your course or work – finding alternate ways to be engaged.
Accommodations are granted based on need and not preference. They must be reasonable and are not required to be “perfect.” There should be no penalty or retribution for sharing accommodation needs. If your request for accommodation is not addressed, or if accommodations offered are not appropriate for you, reach out to your instructor, Associate Dean, or manager. OAREHRS is also available to provide guidance and support to students, staff, and faculty members seeking information about accommodations.
FAQ for making creed-based accommodation requests
When should I request accommodations?
It’s best to request an accommodation as soon as you know there might be a conflict.
- Students: check your course outlines and assignments for potential conflicts with important dates.
- Employees: bring your needs up to your manager as soon as possible.
- Instructors and managers: remind students of how to request accommodations at the start of each term.
How do I request accommodations?
Email your instructor or manager to request an accommodation, share what you can and can’t do, and suggest accommodations that might work for you. Remember: accommodation requests are considered based on good faith. You do not need to provide documentation to prove your needs.
What if I experience discrimination or harassment connected to my observance?
All members of George Brown Polytechnic have the right to a learning and working environment free from discrimination and harassment. Your accommodation request should be kept confidential, shared on a need-to-know basis, and not result in any penalties or retribution. If you believe you have experienced any discrimination or harassment, contact OAREHRS so we can help address the situation.
FAQ for receiving and supporting creed-based accommodation requests
What do I do if I receive an accommodation request?
When you receive a reasonable request for accommodation based in Code grounds, grant it! A timely response is important. Reply as soon as you can with what you can grant to ensure people’s needs are met.
At George Brown, accommodations are an institutional responsibility.
Information shared by the person requesting accommodations should be kept confidential and private. Do not share someone’s reasons for an accommodation. Information should be shared with the requestor’s consent only with people who need to know to help facilitate the accommodation (e.g. making alternate testing arrangements).
How do I grant an accommodation request?
Accommodations may be requested in writing and/or verbally, but it is a wise practice to document and respond to requests through email. If you receive a request, first, make sure you understand what they need and what they’re asking for. If you need more information to consider the request, ensure that you follow up promptly with your question(s). Consider: does their suggested accommodation sound reasonable (i.e., does it meet their needs, reduce barriers, and maximize inclusion)? If you can implement the accommodation yourself, great! If you need support, reach out to your manager, Associate Dean, or OAREHRS.
How can I proactively be inclusive?
By reading this, you’re already taking great steps! Some more ways to make our learning and working environments more inclusive include:
- Knowledge is power! Inform people of their rights to request accommodations.
- Be prepared! Review the Diversity Calendar to identify significant dates and observances that might impact people’s capacities.
- Make time! Set clear deadlines well in advance, so people can share their needs in advance.
- Be flexible! Where possible, make multiple options to participate, avoid non-negotiable deadlines, and cultivate a space where people can share their needs.
- Learn more! Take 20 minutes to complete OAREHRS’ Our Duty to Accommodate e-module on Cornerstone and build your accommodations skills!