Housing advisor explains: Speak up against harassment and discrimination
In this article series, a Hoas housing advisor introduces one of the Safely together principles – what it means in practice, and how you can help create a safe and respectful atmosphere in Hoas homes through your own actions.
Speak up against harassment and discrimination
If you witness inappropriate behavior, don’t stay silent. If possible, intervene calmly or support the person who is being targeted.
If you see inappropriate behavior, it’s important not to ignore it. Harassment and discrimination can harm the entire community, and preventing them requires active involvement from all of us. Harassment should never be tolerated, and together we can build a community where everyone feels safe.
It’s important to remember that each of us holds the power to shape the atmosphere around us – not only through what we say and do, but also through what we choose to ignore. When harassment or discrimination is repeatedly witnessed without anyone speaking up, silence can begin to look like approval. Little by little, inappropriate behavior becomes part of the everyday environment.
It’s a misconception to think that injustice only affects the person directly targeted. Harassment and discrimination impact the entire community. They create spaces where people feel the need to shrink themselves, where they fear being misunderstood or becoming invisible. These experiences can be paralyzing and lead someone to question their own perception of reality. That’s why it matters when someone else steps in – to ask, to speak up, or to stand beside. It tells the person affected that they are not alone, and it signals to the person responsible that their behavior is not acceptable.
Taking action doesn’t have to mean confrontation or blame. Sometimes, the person who made the comment or acted inappropriately may not realize the harm they’ve caused. In those cases, a simple question can help open their eyes: Did you notice how that might have felt for someone else? Other times, a calm but clear response may be needed: That wasn’t okay. And if speaking out loud doesn’t feel safe in the moment, support can still be shown – by checking in, listening, and making sure no one is left alone with their experience.
When we address inappropriate behavior, we’re also building a space where people feel safe to be themselves. A space where no one has to constantly explain or justify their place in the world.
Practical tips for tenants
- Don’t tolerate harassment: If you witness someone behaving inappropriately – whether it’s discrimination, bullying, violence, or other offensive behavior – take action. Intervene directly if you feel safe, or support the person affected and report the issue to your landlord.
- Offer support and listen: If a roommate is experiencing injustice or discrimination, be there for them. Listen with empathy and help them find ways to resolve the situation.
- Report concerns: If you don’t feel safe intervening yourself, you can always contact Hoas. They can help address the situation appropriately and involve the authorities if needed.
Example
If you notice your roommate using offensive or discriminatory language towards others, it’s important to step in. You might say, “I’d appreciate it if you used more respectful language – we all want to feel accepted and respected here.” A direct but respectful approach like this can help change behavior and prevent conflicts.
The safely together principles and article series are part of Hoas’s commitment to sustainability. We want to ensure that every tenant has the right to live equally, fairly, and as their authentic self.