The Halton District School Board has authorized the posting of its draft Discrimination and Harassment Policy to solicit public input before it comes back to the Board for decision in April 2016. The policy provides the basis for the Board’s Administrative Procedure of the same name.
The Halton District School Board’s process for policy approvals includes an opportunity for public input following development of the draft document.
The drafted policy for Discrimination and Harassment:
1. POLICY STATEMENT
The Halton District School Board recognizes the need to provide an environment in which employees can work, students can learn, trustees can govern, and volunteers can participate, which:
- fosters respect for the dignity, worth and well-being of all members of the Board’s community;
- provides an opportunity for all individuals to develop their full potential;
- is conducive to the pursuit of excellence; and
- is committed to ongoing education and awareness of the issues of discrimination and
- harassment.
The Halton District School Board will not tolerate discrimination or harassment in any workplace of the Board which is contrary to the Human Rights Code, on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, same-sex partner status, disability, age, marital status or family status, and, in the case of employment, record of offences.
In addition, the Halton District School Board also recognizes “Workplace Harassment” as defined in the Occupational Health and Safety Act, which means engaging in a course of vexatious comment or conduct against a worker in a workplace that is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome.
2. SPECIFIC DIRECTIVES
Comprehensive procedures to address allegations of Discrimination and Harassment can be found in the Administrative Procedure – Discrimination and Harassment. These procedures can be accessed by any worker (including paid, volunteer or Trustee) or or student who wishes to address Discrimination or Harassment in any workplace of the Board.
To provide feedback on the Board’s Discrimination and Harassment Policy, visit www.hdsb.ca, and click ‘Boardroom and Trustees’. Follow the ‘Policies and Procedures Under Review’ link on the left side of the webpage.
The draft Discrimination and Harassment Policy will return to the Board with any feedback received, for trustees’ consideration in April 2016.