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Religious and Creed-based Accommodations

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Religious and Creed-based Accommodations

cover of parent guideHamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) is committed to working with students and families to create inclusive classroom and school environments. As we begin the new school year, we would like to remind families that schools are committed to work with you to provide appropriate and reasonable religious accommodations as per your requests.

The Ontario Human Rights Code provides the right for individuals to be free from discrimination. To protect this right, schools may make accommodations when issues or concerns with school practices relate to a student’s religious or creed-based beliefs.

HWDSB is committed to working with families to determine appropriate and reasonable accommodations for students. Some examples of religious accommodations are: absence from class for a holiday observation, following a specific dress code, temporary absence from class to observe daily prayers, fasting or breaking a fast.

If you require religious accommodation for your child(ren), you are advised to contact your child’s school at the beginning of the year. Call the teacher or the principal to discuss any religious accommodations your child may need. You can also provide specific dates and the type of accommodation required so that the school can plan in a timely manner.

Family requests for religious or creed-based accommodation should be made annually, as they are unique and considered on an individual, case-by-case basis. If you have arranged for religious accommodation for the last school year, you still need to make a new request for the new school year by contacting your child’s teacher or principal. You may receive a letter or a phone call from the school to update your child’s accommodation needs for the new school year.

For more information about religious or creed-based accommodations, please see the following resources:

 

Updated on Thursday, September 12, 2019.
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