Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The SCDSB is committed to excellence in education and equitable educational outcomes for all students, and to the elimination of discrimination as outlined in Ontario’s Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy and Ontario Ministry of Education Policy/Program Memorandum No. 119, Developing and Implementing Equity and Inclusive Education Policies in Ontario Schools.The board upholds the principles of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms outlined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Constitution Act, 1982 and the Ontario Human Rights Code.

The SCDSB is committed to an equitable education system that upholds and reflects the principles of fair and inclusive education which permeates policies, programs, practices and operations. The board recognizes that equity of opportunity and equity of access to the full range of programs, the delivery of services and resources are critical to the achievement of successful educational and social outcomes for those served by our school system as well as for those who serve our system.

Equity Advisory Committee

The role of the Equity Advisory Committee (EAC) is to work in partnership with the SCDSB on the review, development, implementation, and monitoring of initiatives related to anti-bias, ant- oppression, diversity, equity, and inclusion. The EAC supports members of the SCDSB community and encourages equitable outcomes, sense of belonging, student achievement, and well-being, in alignment with the SCDSB’s strategic priorities.


Areas of focus

The Simcoe County District School Board regards the following eight areas of focus as important in an equitable and inclusive education environment:

 

Board policies, programs, guidelines and practices

The board is committed to serving students, families and staff in diverse communities by including the principles of equity and inclusion into all aspects of its operations, structures, policies, procedures, guidelines, practices and programs consistent with the principles of the Code.

Shared and committed leadership
The board is committed to establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships with diverse communities so that the perspectives and experiences of all students, are recognized to help meet their needs.
School–community relationships
The board is committed to establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships with diverse communities so that the perspectives and experiences of all students, families and staff are recognized and addressed.
Inclusive curriculum and assessment practices
The board is committed to implementing an inclusive curriculum and to reviewing resources, instruction, and assessment and evaluation practices in order to identify and address discriminatory biases so that each student may maximize his or her learning potential.
Religious accommodation
The board acknowledges each individual’s right to follow or not to follow religious beliefs and practices free from discriminatory or harassing behaviour and is committed to taking all reasonable steps to provide religious accommodation to students and staff.
School climate and the prevention of discrimination and harassment

The board is committed to the principle that every person within the school community is entitled to a respectful, positive school climate and learning environment, free from all forms of discrimination and harassment.

Professional learning
The board is committed to providing administrators, staff, students and other members of the school community with opportunities to acquire the knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviour needed to identify and eliminate discriminatory biases and systemic barriers under the Code.
Accountability and transparency
The board is committed to assessing and monitoring progress in implementing the Strategy; to embedding the principles into all board policies, guidelines, practices and programs and to communicating these results to the community.

Days of awareness

 

The students and staff of the SCDSB represent a rich diversity of faith, tradition, heritage, culture, and beliefs. Learning about, recognizing, and/or celebrating holy days, holidays, heritage days, and days of awareness that are relevant to our school communities helps to build a culture of belonging and engagement.

The SCDSB has developed reference lists with dates that may be of relevance to members of the SCDSB community. They should not be viewed as exhaustive lists, and all efforts are made to ensure the accuracy of the information. Members of the school community can contact their school regarding the days that are recognized and/or celebrated.

Heritage days/months

Heritage days/months are important commemorative days/months that recognize the history and culture of the people of Canada. A list of heritage days can be found on the Government of Canada website.

Holy days and holidays

Holy days and holidays are days that may be of significance to those who recognize any of the many creeds, beliefs, and practices in Canada. This list of holy days and holidays is not intended as a reference for religious and creed-based accommodation requests for students or staff.

Days of awareness

Days of awareness are days that focus on different causes and recognition. A list of awareness days has been developed in alignment with the SCDSB Strategic Priorities (2022-2027) and system direction.