As an employer and public school board, the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) is required to uphold the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC). The Human Rights Branch of the WRDSB has released a procedure which is guided by the Human Rights Policy.

The Human Rights Policy

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

  • Welcoming
  • Inclusive
  • Caring
  • Safe for everyone

Learn more about the Human Rights Policy on the WRDSB website.

The Human Rights Procedure

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

What Are My Human Rights?

The Code states that you have the right to be free from harassment and/or discrimination based on the following:

  • Age
  • Ancestry, colour, race
  • Citizenship
  • Ethnic origin
  • Place of origin
  • Creed
  • Disability
  • Family status
  • Marital status (including single status)
  • Gender identity, gender expression
  • Sex (including pregnancy and breastfeeding)
  • Sexual orientation

How the Human Rights Branch Can Help You

If you or a student in your care are experiencing harassment and/or discrimination based on a human rights protected identity (listed above) the WRDSB can support you. It is not okay to be harmed in this way. We will work with you and others to help resolve the situation.

Visit the WRDSB website to learn more about How the Human Rights Branch Can Help You.

Questions?

The WRDSB has a procedure that describes how to have your human rights concern addressed. You can ask the Human Rights Branch any questions about this procedure.

The Human Rights Branch can:

  • Help you understand the Human Rights policy
  • Answer any questions you might have about sharing your concern
  • Describe other policies and procedures that can be used to address your concern
  • Commit to a process that is fair
  • Talk about all the ways your concerns can be addressed
  • Investigate complaints
  • Let you know about supports available at the WRDSB or in the community

How can I speak with the Human Rights Branch?