Frequently Asked Questions

I need a space for lactation, breastfeeding and/or storage, but I don’t know where to go.

York is a welcoming and breastfeeding friendly university and is committed to providing the York community with a supportive environment for breastfeeding. Our community members may feed or breastfeed their children on our campuses, subject to health and safety requirements.

Please see the list below for dedicated spaces, amenities, locations and hours available on our campuses or soon to be made available.

York Cooperative Daycare Centre, Atkinson Road, 8:30am-6pm
Mabel Davis - Phone: (416) 736-2100 ext. 33273, Email: daycare@yorku.ca

  • Available now
  • No milk storage

Lee Wiggins Childcare Centre, Student Centre, Room 201, 8:30am-5:30pm
Phone: (416)736-5959, Email: yorkuchildcare@gmail.com

  • Available now
  • Milk storage available in shared fridge

Centre for Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion (CHREI), 2070 Victor Philip Dahdaleh Building, 9am-4pm
Phone: (416) 736-2100 ext. 55682, Email: rights@yorku.ca

  • Private space available – if possible, please call ahead to arrange
  • No milk storage

Osgoode Hall: Room #IKB Rm 009
Nancy Sperling – Phone: (416) 650-8182, Email: nsperling@osgoode.yorkuca

  • Available now subject to successful application for use with maximum of 10 persons / year. Individuals must complete a form and then get an access card/key to be able to use it (to see guidelines and application form click here)

Scott Library, Central Square 133B main floor
Colette Leier - Phone: (416) 736-2100 ext 88867, Email: leierc@yorku.ca

For more information about library hours, please visit York University Libraries.

The Centre for Sexual Violence Response, Support and Education, 301 York Lanes, 

  • Shared fridge (small)
  • Comfortable room for feeding, changing
  • Available Monday– Friday, 9 am– 4 pm

The York University Student Centre:

For lactation and breastfeeding needs, please visit either of the main offices:

  • First Student Centre, Room 335
  • Second Student Centre, Room 110

Staff will then provide a room for use.

Glendon Campus: York Hall, B114, Student Recruitment Office, 9am-5pm
Patrick Banville - Phone:(416) 487-6791, Email: patrick.banville@glendon.yorku.ca

  • Available now
  • Milk storage available, shared fridge, B108, 9am-5pm

Markham Centre Campus

  • The University is committed to providing lactation facilities at its new Markham campus opening September 2021.

If you need any assistance with making or responding to requests for breastfeeding accommodation, please contact us.

I don’t think I received a fair mark on an assignment. Can CHREI help me?
No, this is an academic matter and there is a grade re-appraisal process you can pursue.

I wear my hijab while teaching, but I’m afraid my students may feel uncomfortable. What’s your opinion on this?
The University values diversity and encourages and supports the University community in demonstrating that diversity. CHREI is available to resolve any issue that contravenes the University’s human rights policies or the Ontario Human Rights Code.

A student complained to me about their professor and I’m concerned they are being sexually harassed. They said they are afraid to complain, what can I do?
Following York's Policy on Sexual Violence, there are a variety of options. Let the student know about York University's Sexual Violence Response Office (SVRO), that offers confidential services - the student can contact them to talk about the situation without filing a formal complaint. Tell them that they can bring you with them or go alone.

I'm being harassed and bullied, can CHREI help me?
If you have reason to believe that one or more of the grounds enumerated in the Ontario Human Rights Code is a factor in the harassment and bullying you are experiencing, and if the harassment and bullying is taking place on campus or is connected to your status as a student, staff, or faculty at York, then CHREI can help you.  If you are being bullied or harassed and its not connected to a Code ground, and/or not connected to your place of study or work at York University, then CHREI can refer you to other resources on campus and/or in the community who may be able to assist you.  The grounds are: race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, record of offences, marital status, family status, or disability.

I'm concerned about some of the jokes and comments students are making in my class. Can anyone come to explain what type of remarks are considered harassment or qualify as hate speech?
Yes, our staff are able to attend and make classroom presentations and provide learning materials that will help resolve these concerns. Our office may also provide guidance regarding options and make referrals. See our Engagement, Knowledge Exchange and Education page for more information.

Do you have any upcoming workshops?
Yes; you can find out what workshops we will be hosting here.

How do I get involved with CHREI's work? 
Check out our Get Involved page for more information.

Can CHREI support or advertise my campus events?
CHREI is  neutral body, and as such does not usually circulate information or advertise on behalf of others. If you are interested in partnering with CHREI for an initiative promoting human rights, equity, and/or inclusion, please contact us.
If you are seeking support to help make your initiative more inclusive, check out our Inclusion Lens for event planning tips, or the Equity & Inclusion Fund to see if your need qualifies for financial support from CHREI.