Please see the information below to learn about the HWDSB Human Rights Policy and its two associated procedures.
The Human Rights Policy was developed in consultation with students, families and local communities. To learn about the policy and the development process, click here.
HWDSB Human Rights Policy
THE HWDSB Human Rights Policy applies to all members of the HWDSB community, which includes students, staff, parents/guardians, and community members. The policy helps everyone to understand their human rights, roles and responsibilities. The Human Rights Policy serves as an anchor to related policies and furthers HWDSB’s commitment to foster and maintain a culture of respect for human rights in all HWDSB environments – schools, workspaces, school and work events, and virtual spaces that are extensions of the learning and working environment – so that:
- Everyone is treated with dignity and respect
- Everyone is supported and accepted
- Everyone is free from discrimination and harassment
- HWDSB learning and workspaces are welcoming, respectful, accessible and free from systemic discrimination, harassment and different forms of oppression.
Human Rights Accountability Procedure
This procedure strengthens the Human Rights Policy and provides:
- Key proactive human rights strategies that HWDSB will start or continue implementing to prevent and remove human rights and equity barriers
- An accountability framework that defines roles and responsibilities of employees, students, leadership in promoting and protecting human rights at HWDSB
Human Rights Complaints Resolution Procedure
This procedure:
- Sets out the internal mechanism and process involved in reporting, resolving and investigating human rights complaints and concerns when they occur
- Provides information about the types of resolution processes that are available and the role and duty of school leaders and supervisors/managers in resolving, responding to and investigating complaints and concerns
- Defines the role of HWDSB’s Human Rights Office (HRO) in managing the human rights complaints resolution process
Related Polices and Procedures
- Anti-Black Racism
- Barrier Free Learning
- Code of Conduct
- Equity and Inclusion
- Indigenous Education Policy
- Integrated Accessibility Standard
- Religious Accommodation Procedure
- Student Behaviour and Discipline
- Workplace Violence and Harassment prevention Policy