March 21st, 2023

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). When racial harassment and discrimination happen in our schools and workplaces, it is the Board’s responsibility to act, name what took place, and respond to address it.

The WRDSB Human Rights Policy and Procedures

As an employer and public school board, the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) is required to uphold the OHRC. The Human Rights Branch of the WRDSB has released two procedures, which are guided by our Human Rights Policy.

The 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 Human Rights Procedures

The procedures guide the process to address situations where students, parents, caregivers and community members feel that their human rights are not being respected.

Read more about the WRDSB Human Rights Policy and Procedures.

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, parents, 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.