March 21st, 2024

Today, March 21, is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

This day is observed on March 21 each year to mark the day police in Sharpeville, South Africa, killed 69 Black men, women and children, and injured 180 more, at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid “pass laws” in 1960.

This day serves as a reminder to us all about our rights and responsibilities under the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC). Under the Code, every person has the right to be free from racial discrimination and harassment in the social areas of:

  • Employment
  • Services
  • Goods and facilities
  • Housing accommodation
  • Contracts and membership in trade and vocational associations

When racial harassment and discrimination happen in our schools and workplaces, it is the Board’s responsibility to:

  • Act
  • Name what took place
  • Respond to address it

The WRDSB Human Rights Policy and Procedures

As an employer and service provider (of education), the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) is required to uphold the OHRC. In 2020, the WRDSB established the Human Rights Branch to create a Human Rights Policy and Procedures.

The WRDSB 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

The WRDSB Human Rights Procedure

The procedure guides the process to address situations where school community members feel that their human rights are not being respected.

Read more about the WRDSB Human Rights Policy and Procedure.

Getting Support

We are committed to ensuring every person at the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) has the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of race or personal identity.

WRDSB students, families, caregivers, staff and others can file a Human Rights complaint based on the protected grounds in the OHRC.

Recommended Resources

Questions?

Email your questions or inquiries about human rights to the Human Rights Branch at human-rights@wrdsb.ca.

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