The first phase of a two-phase review process regarding the internal affairs of the Canadian Museum of Human Rights is sharing 44 recommendations for positive change.

The Systemic Racism and Discrimination Review is an independent report from CMHR's Board of Trustees examining concerns raised by current and former employees.

The review includes recommendations such as taking immediate action with training, as well as reporting and hiring practices. It also includes a new corporate focus on diversity and inclusion.

The report was delivered by Laurelle Harris, a lawyer "with specific expertise in Women’s Studies and Black Studies" as stated on the museum's website.

She conducted 25 interviews with current and former employees. The museum's documents and records were also considered by Harris.

The full review of phase one is 72 pages long along and contains all the recommendations for change at the end. The review is available for the public to read on the museum's website.

Summing up the report, the CMHR says, "Harris’ report identifies systemic racism which has had a negative physical, emotional and financial impact on Museum employees who are Black, Indigenous or People of Colour. It also identifies instances of sexism, heterosexism, and homophobia."

Pauline Rafferty, the museum's board chair and acting CEO is stepping in after the previous CEO, John Young, resigned. 

Young resigned in June after employees made complaints about being forced to censor LGBTQ2 displays, as well as made allegations of sexual harassment within the establishment that was dismissed.

Rafferty says in an official statement from the CMHR, "We are taking immediate action to build an anti-racist and anti-discriminatory workplace."

She says, "It is clear many people have been adversely impacted by racism, homophobia, and other forms of discrimination within the Museum, and we apologize unreservedly.”

The CMHR is closed today, ending a two day reflect and review time. 

Rafferty says, "We will recommit ourselves to the values upon which the Museum was founded, of human dignity and respect, and make this a priority. How we work will be as important as the work itself.”

CMHR  says Phase two of the review will begin shortly.

The museum will reopen to the public tomorrow, August 7.