The president and CEO of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights has resigned following recent allegations of systemic racism, discrimination, and claims of sexual harassment at the Winnipeg facility.

The museum's board of trustees says John Young has agreed that it is in the best interest of the museum that he step down, effective immediately.

Earlier this month current and former employees came forward with allegations of wrongdoing and complaints. Some of those complaints included that staff were asked to block gay-rights content for tours of religious schools.

Staff using the hashtags #cmhrstoplying also say that they experienced racism from visitors and were used as "tokens of diversity" at the museum. Others say they brought forward complaints of sexual harassment by a fellow staff member and feel the HR department was dismissive.

Board chairwoman Pauline Rafferty is to serve as Interim CEO and says the board apologizes.

She says the board will act quickly to improve relationships with staff who have been let down, especially the Black and Indigenous communities, people of colour and LGBTQ communities.