The following citations have been selected from documents intended to shape our mission and values as educators.  Below, you will find legal reasoning which supports and demands that the civil rights of our students and staff be respected on a daily basis, through inclusive and equitable treatment.  

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

“15. (1) Every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination and, in particular, without discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability.”

Ontario Human Rights Code

“The Ontario Human Rights Code (the Code) is a law that provides for equal rights and opportunities and recognizes the dignity and worth of every person in Ontario. The Code makes it against the law to discriminate against someone or to harass them because of their sexual orientation or their marital status.”

Bill 13 - Accepting Schools Act

“Bill 13 requires school boards to prevent and address inappropriate and disrespectful behaviour among students in our schools. These behaviours include bullying, discrimination and harassment. The new law makes it clear that these behaviours are unacceptable in our schools. It promotes respect and understanding for all students regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability or any other factor.”

HDSB Equity and Inclusive Education Policy

“The Halton District School Board believes that all students can learn and we strive to enable each and every student to learn effectively, to reduce achievement gaps and to improve learning outcomes for all, regardless of race, class, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and other historical forms of marginalization. The Board upholds the principles of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Constitution Act, 1982 and confirmed in the Ontario Human Rights Code (the “Code”).”

Questions & Answers about LGBTQ2 Human Rights Legislation and Policy in Ontario can be found at MyGSA.ca under the educator resources section.