The Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board (the Board) recognizes that all people are created equal in the image of God, each with inimitable characteristics deserving of dignity (Genesis: 1:27). The Board recognizes that any form of social or cultural discrimination is incompatible with Catholic moral principles and is in violation with the Ontario Human Rights Code. This Human Rights Concern Process aligns with the application of Board Policy A:14 Promoting and Supporting Equity & Inclusion Within a Catholic Community. The Board provides these protected rights in all its operations and educational environment.
The Ontario Human Rights Code protects all Ontarians from discrimination and/or harassment. To address concerns for discrimination and/or harassment based on Code grounds, students or parents may refer to the Board’s Human Rights Concern Process for Students and Parents / Guardians, as detailed below.
When a Code related concern is raised to the Board, the Board will take steps to address the allegations in a timely, transparent and accountable manner.
Concerns involving other students will be addressed through Board Policy SC:15 Code of Conduct, ST: 05 Student Discipline, and SC:18 Bullying Prevention.
WECDSB employee concerns regarding discrimination or harassment within the workplace will be addressed through Board Policy H:08 Workplace Harassment.
Steps of the Human Rights Concern Process
STEP A: In accordance with the Board's Channels of Communication Procedure PR A:07B, a student or their parents / guardians, on their behalf, is encouraged to address concerns at the level at which it originates through an informal process. Communicating with teachers and/or administrators at the school level is often the best way to address and resolve concerns in a timely and collaborative manner. The Human Rights Concern Process is a mechanism for you to communicate unresolved Human Rights concerns.
If you are uncomfortable addressing the concern at the initial level, or if you are not satisfied with the response, please communicate your concern to the next level contact in the reporting process.
STEP B: If you are unsatisfied with the resolution provided to you through STEP A, you may begin the formal process by completing the Human Rights Concern Reporting Form.
The Human Rights Concern Reporting Form is another way to ensure schools are safe and accepting learning environments.
Regardless of which process is utilized, the Board will investigate potential discrimination under Code Protected Grounds.
