
At HCDSB, we are committed to creating safe, inclusive and welcoming learning environments that support student achievement and well-being in our Catholic schools.
Human Rights and Equity are guiding values that are consistent both with Catholic Social Teaching, reaffirming the dignity of every individual, as well as the Ontario Human Rights Code, which safeguards students and staff from discrimination based on the protected grounds.
Our commitment to provide ongoing opportunities to acquire the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviours needed to identify and eliminate discriminatory systemic barriers under the Code is embedded in our Equity and Inclusive Education Policy.
As a model learning community that is distinctly Catholic, we support all students to Achieve, Believe, and Belong in accordance with the core principles of Catholic Social Teaching, equitable outcomes for all, the Ontario Human Rights Code and a commitment to upholding Indigenous Rights and strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities.
We achieve our commitment to Human Rights and Equity through:
- 91proÊÓƵ policies, programs, procedures and practices;
- Shared and committed leadership;
- School community relationships;
- Inclusive curriculum and assessment practices;
- Religious accommodation;
- School climate and the prevention of discrimination and harassment
- Professional learning; and
- Accountability and transparency.
Human Rights & Equity Newsletter
The Human Rights & Equity team are happy to share a series of newsletters highlighting some of the equity focused events and initiatives taking place across HCDSB.
2023-2024 School Year
- Human Rights & Equity Newsletter Vol 2, Issue 1
- Human Rights & Equity Newsletter Vol 2, Issue 2
- Human Rights & Equity Newsletter Vol 2, Issue 3
2022-2023 School Year
Staff Training
Professional learning is a critical component in ensuring we are meeting our commitment to Human Rights and Equity at HCDSB. Each school year, we offer a variety of staff training sessions, both mandatory and invitational.
Racism & Discrimination: Responding with Faith, Hope & Love
The following document, Racism & Discrimination: Responding with Faith, Hope & Love outlines the need to address incidents of racism and discrimination, as well as guided steps on how to respond to discrimination in our HCDSB community.
Posters for our HCDSB Community
Supporting Human Rights & Equity
Under the leadership of the Senior Manager, Human Rights and Equity, our Human Rights and Equity Office addresses our system commitment to creating and maintaining safe, inclusive and welcoming learning environments that support student achievement and well-being in our Catholic schools. Responsibilities include:
- Providing education and information on human rights and equity issues in education.
- Embedding equity and human rights principles in 91proÊÓƵ policies, procedures and practices.
- Supporting equitable teaching and learning opportunities for all students, which involves raising awareness of Culturally Responsive and Relevant Pedagogy amongst HCDSB staff.
- Supporting voluntary student data collection and analysis to identify and address systemic barriers, as outlined in the .
If you have any questions about Human Rights and Equity at HCDSB, please contact one of the following members of the Human Rights and Equity team by phone at 905-632-6300 or by email, as follows:
- Sita Jayaraman, Senior Manager, Human Rights & Equity jayaramans@hcdsb.org
- Talibah Howard, Human Rights & Equity Officer howardt2@hcdsb.org
- Sareh Aghamiri, Human Rights & Equity Advisor aghamiris@hcdsb.org
References
Policy II-45 Equity and Inclusive Education
Procedure VI-54 Equity and Inclusive Education