BC Human Rights Tribunal Update
Resolution of Human Rights Tribunal Complaint – March 29, 2021
On Monday March 29, 2021, representatives of the Theatre and Ms. McKenna met virtually, and with the assistance of a mediator, were able to resolve all matters relating to Ms. McKenna’s human rights complaint.
This update is being sent with the knowledge and consent of Ms. McKenna.
In 2017, Ms. McKenna was discouraged from auditioning for the production of Les Belles Soeurs because of being Black. The Theatre regrets and apologises that Ms. McKenna was not welcomed to participate in the audition process for one of its productions due to race.
After the complaint, the Theatre identified in 2019 the steps it was taking to ensure that Ms. McKenna’s experience is not repeated. Those steps are ongoing although there has been some hiatus due to the COVID shutdown of the Theatre. The Theatre is committed to continuing the path it started as a result of the complaint and is also committed to undertaking additional steps including: ongoing education and training; promoting diversity amongst its membership and the Board; and exploring resources and tools to assist the Theatre to expand its diversification and inclusion objectives, both in its management and in its artistic endeavours.
Both Ms. McKenna and the Theatre have suffered wounds to their reputation, and both parties approached the mediation with the goal of acknowledging the hurt caused and laying the path forward. Both parties are united in their condemnation of personal attacks, bullying and harassment in any and all forms, and in particular the personal attacks that each experienced as a result of the events giving rise to Ms. McKenna’s complaint.
The Theatre appreciates having had the opportunity to hear from Ms. McKenna regarding her entire experience, and appreciates her willingness to be an active participant in a resolution that will ensure the Theatre continues to learn and grow and serve the community.
Statement about the BC Human Rights Tribunal Interim Decision – November 5, 2019
On November 5, 2019 the BC Human Rights Tribunal published an interim decision on its website determining that a complaint made against Langham Court Theatre and a former director will proceed to hearing. The complaint alleges discrimination in the casting process of the fall 2017 production of Les Belles Soeurs; no finding of discrimination has yet been made. As part of the tribunal’s process to this point, details of the complaint were required to be kept confidential.
After being advised of the comments that had been made, the theatre took a number of steps:
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A production co-chair and Ms. McKenna discussed the matter over the phone;
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The general manager and the same production co-chair met with Ms. McKenna to discuss the situation and explore potential ways to resolve the matter;
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The general manager emailed Ms. McKenna and apologized for the experience;
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The board president sent a letter of apology to Ms. McKenna, expressing a wish that she remain involved with the theatre; the letter acknowledged there had been a “significant wrong”, and asked Ms. McKenna to allow the theatre time to correct it;
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The board wrote to the director, Ms. Treloar, to address its concerns about the comments she had made to Ms. McKenna. The letter stated that Ms. Treloar’s responses to Ms. McKenna were inappropriate, did not represent Langham Court Theatre’s values, and could not be condoned, supported or defended. The letter also acknowledged that Ms. Treloar’s comments were hurtful to Ms. McKenna.
We have, and continue, to take further steps to make Langham a welcoming, inclusive, and safe space for everyone. Measures taken include:
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As of October 2017, establishing and appointing two Ombudspersons;
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Updating our Harassment and Discrimination Policy, including a clearer process for addressing complaints, and developing a Code of Conduct;
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Implementing diversity and communication training for employees, board members, and production personnel;
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Having key personnel attend workshops on Inclusivity & Discrimination in the arts, Respectful Workplaces in the Arts, to inform our processes;
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Diversifying the scope of what appears on our stage by engaging and inviting diverse groups of theatre performers.
Langham Court Theatre intends to respect and fully cooperate with the Human Rights Tribunal, and is not able to comment on matters that remain before the Tribunal while the process is ongoing.
