An upstander is someone who recognizes hate or discrimination and uses their own strengths to take action and create positive change.
There are many ways to be an upstander. You can be an upstander by questioning the situation, not engaging in harmful jokes, checking in, seeking help, or reporting what you see. Consider what being an upstander looks like for you.
Access tools and resources below to help you act safely, show support, and report acts of harassment and discrimination on the basis of race, colour, ethnic origin, place of origin, ancestry, citizenship, religion, creed, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, and family status.
Do your PART as an upstander
When you witness discrimination, you can do your “PART”: Pause, Assess, Reflect and Talk/Tell
Download the Be an Upstander and Be an Active Witness 11x17 Posters (12mb)
This content was adapted from content written by BC Children’s Hospital for the website, with expertise from Angela Ma Brown and adapted from Dr. Ishu Ishiyama’s work.
Notice your feelings (fear, shock, anger, confusion sadness, etc.), manage your emotions, and self-regulate (focus on your breath, count to 10, step away to reflect, seek support, etc.)
If there’s a chance you may be unsafe, do not approach the offender. Active witnessing doesn’t require confrontation. If you find that you are afraid and it is not safe, there are other ways you can be an active witness so you don’t involve yourself directly.
Instead, you may:
- Approach a co-witness
- Approach the receiver
- Seek support from an external/outsider
If it is safe, ask yourself: Will I respond now or later?
- Now: Go to "Reflect"
- Later: Take some time to: self-regulate and manage your emotions, think about the incident, speak with someone who may support you and help you decide how to respond
Before taking any action, it is important to pause and assess both your own safety and your capacity to engage. Reflection can also mean recognizing when you may need to step back, take time, or seek out resources and support for yourself before responding.
Once you feel safe and ready, consider your relationship to the instance of hate: how has your lived experience shaped the way you have responded in the past? How might those experiences inform the choices you make in the future? Taking time to reflect helps ensure that your responses are thoughtful, intentional, and sustainable.
Who do I feel most comfortable approaching in the witnessing triangle?
(co-witness, receiver, external/outsider, offender)
What response will I use?
(interrupt, disagree, question, call it racism or discrimination, empathy, calling in or calling out)
Approach the person you feel comfortable with (co-witness, receiver, external/outsider, offender)
- Take a deep breath, stand tall
- Use a calm, confident, assertive voice
- Be brief. De-escalate rather than escalate
- If you find that the situation has escalated and you no longer feel safe, take the time to back away and seek support from a co-witness or external/outsider if it feels safe
Your feelings are valid. If you have experienced hate, harassment, or discrimination, we are here to help. Mental health services are available including 24-hour phone or text support, mental health appointments or drop-ins, and therapy groups.
Access campus supports such as Faith and Spiritual Life, Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre (4D), Queen’s University International Centre (QUIC), Yellow House Student Centre for Equity and Inclusion, and Peer Support Centre.
Fostering an upstander culture
As Queen’s community members, we each have the power to influence the culture of our campus. When hate or discriminatory comments occur, our response can either reinforce harm or create space for change. By taking time to reflect on our role, educating ourselves and others, building stronger connections across our community, and committing to making change, we can actively challenge hate and foster an environment where everyone feels respected and supported.
Educate
Ongoing learning is an essential part of building the skills needed to respond to hate. Staying up to date with training and resources helps keep bystander intervention and anti-oppression practices top of mind. While education alone cannot transform campus culture, committing to continuous learning strengthens your ability to think critically and recognize how power, hate, and injustice are normalized. By seeking out new perspectives and sharing knowledge with others, you contribute to a campus environment that values awareness, accountability, and growth.
Build Community
Strong, connected communities are more resilient and better able to respond in moments of conflict. Becoming engaged with the campus community helps create networks of support that challenge hate and foster belonging. For those directly impacted by oppression, reaching out to others who share similar experiences can be affirming and help reduce isolation. For allies and witnesses, building community can mean showing up, offering support, and contributing to initiatives that strengthen inclusion. Consider what role you can play in nurturing connections and shaping a campus culture that stands together against hate.
Make Change
Take time to recognize how systems of power operate on campus and identify gaps where culture can improve. Commit to taking action, both in small everyday choices and in larger initiatives, to challenge hate and support inclusion. Continue to respond thoughtfully in moments of injustice and seek guidance or support when needed. Every effort contributes to a campus culture that values accountability, equity, and respect.
Together against hate
Hate and discrimination have no place on our campus. We all play a role in challenging hate and promoting safety and respect for every member of our community.
Access reporting tools and resources
If you have observed or have felt impacted by racist, hateful, or bias conduct, the most important first step is to ensure your safety and wellbeing. For immediate safety concerns on campus, call ĂŰĚŇ´«Ă˝ 24-hour Campus Security and Emergency Services at 613-533-6111 (internal ext. 36111). For a life-threatening emergency, call 911.