View the reactive measures the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) has undertaken to create learning and working environments that are free from discrimination and harassment.

These measures aim to address hate and harm. 

Policy and Procedure

Anti-Racism Policy (in development)

The WRDSB is in the process of creating a new Anti-Racism Policy. The policy is currently in draft form. The draft policy is in the community consultation phase (Until Fall 2025).

Human Rights Policy and Procedures

The WRDSB Human Rights Policy describes how we all play a role in creating schools that are:

  • Welcoming 
  • Inclusive
  • Caring 
  • Safe

The procedure describes the process to address situations where students, parents, caregivers, and community members feel that their human rights are not being respected.

Data Gathering and Tracking Tools

Annual Human Rights Report

The Human Rights Branch Annual Report outlines the work of the department in:

  • Building a culture of human rights at the WRDSB
  • Addressing human rights complaints

Hate-Based Incident Tracking

In an effort to be able to report on the number and scope of hate-based incidents that are taking place in our schools, the WRDSB will now collect information related to hate-based incidents using the Safe Schools Incident Reporting Form that school staff complete when there has been a reportable incident. This will provide valuable information that will allow us to better allocate resources and supports as we:

  • Continue to foster a human rights culture at the WRDSB
  • Promote safe and inclusive environments for all

Staff Education, Learning and Identity Affirmation 

Staff Affinity Groups

These groups help to create conditions that promote well-being and flourishing in our system and that are truly inclusive. Affinity groups have been created based on data from our Workforce Census and requests for support from staff who have experienced discrimination or exclusion.

Student Learning, Supports and Identity Affirmation

Student Affinity Groups

These groups provide safe and identity-affirming spaces for mentorship, education, allyship, and leadership in the school and community. They create opportunities for students to connect and network and foster increased engagement in school.

System Navigators

System Navigators strive to serve families by bridging the gap between communities, students, families and the school system. They aim to prevent and address issues of racism and harm within the WRDSB.

Guidelines and Tools

Appropriation vs. Appreciation Guidelines

Provides staff with an easy-to-use checklist in order to determine whether or not a particular Indigenous text is appropriative or appreciative of the people and culture a class is trying to learn about. The guideline acknowledges that engaging with Indigenous resources is not always easy. It will involve some reflecting and learning on the part of the educator, but it provides context for good decision-making.

DIRECT Tool

WRDSB staff are expected to deal directly with discrimination in schools by stopping, interrupting, naming, and reporting discrimination. This tool outlines steps that administrators and staff take to respond to incidents of discrimination in schools and to ensure they do not continue to recur.

Racial Slurs, Epithets and N-word Guidelines

These guidelines were created in response to significant requests for support regarding the increased use of the N-word, racial slurs and discriminatory language in schools and the presence of slurs in teaching resources and content. These guidelines offer system direction and clarification on the WRDSB’s position on the use of discriminatory language.

Families and Community

System Navigators

System Navigators provide outreach to prospective and current students and their families and caregivers who identify as:

  • African, Caribbean or Black (ACB)
  • Muslim

They work cooperatively with communities to co-create supportive pathways for learners. They develop relationships with multiple stakeholders, including students, parents or caregivers and education staff. This enhances opportunities for authentic relationship building, provides supportive services and communication to guide students in their educational pathway.