We have a responsibility, under the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Education Act and the board’s policies and procedures, and a moral obligation to ensure all students feel safe and included in our school communities.
The Peel District School Board strives to ensure every student, staff, caregiver and community partner has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of ancestry, culture, ethnicity, gender expression, gender identity, language, physical or intellectual ability, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or other factors.
The board’s system goals reflect a commitment to ensuring equitable outcomes and providing equitable access and opportunity for all students and staff to learn, work and develop in a climate that is safe, positive, healthy, accessible and inclusive. One of the goals in our strategic plan – the Plan for Student Success – is to achieve inclusion through continuous progress on equity.
Accessibility
It is the policy of the board to provide an environment in all of its facilities that builds independence, dignity and respect for our students, parents/guardians, the public and our staff. The board is committed to the continual improvement of accessibility and the on-going removal of barriers in order to provide greater equity for all in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
View our Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 2020-22 and most recent Accessibility Plan Status Report 2020.
To provide feedback on accessibility matters, please contact accessibility staff.
We’re constantly working to make our board and school websites accessible and usable for everyone. We are working toward having all documents on this website fully accessible and compliant with AODA regulations.
Equitable hiring
The School Board is committed to equity in employment. We are committed to equitable hiring practices that allow us to hire qualified staff who reflect the full diversity of our community. We will make any reasonable accommodation, based on any of the human rights protected grounds, to support candidates to participate in the hiring process.
When contacted, candidates will be provided with an overview of the various elements of the selection process, such as tests and skill demonstrations. We will provide employment accommodation (i.e. an accessible location, rescheduling of interviews that fall on religious holy days) if we are advised of an applicant's needs in advance of any part of the selection process.
Human rights
Everyone has a right to be treated with respect and dignity, and to teach, learn and work in an environment that's free from discrimination and harassment. That is a core belief of the board.
Our commitment to human rights isn't just the words of a policy—it must be demonstrated by our actions every day. Together, we share the duty to prevent and eliminate discrimination and harassment.
The board's Human Rights Office helps ensure that all human rights related concerns and inquiries are addressed. Learn more.
Indigenous Education
At the School Board, everything we do is designed to help each child achieve to the best of their ability. Our collective, daily efforts make a positive difference in the lives of our students, their families and the world. Learn more.
Poverty Reduction Strategy
The board is an advocate for poverty reduction and works collaboratively with the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Children and Youth Services, the Region of Peel and service organizations to address some of the poverty challenges. The board has established policies and operating procedures to assist children and families in combating poverty and has instituted programs to support that goal.
Peel Poverty Reduction Strategy
Religious accommodation
Religious accommodation is required under the Ontario Human Rights Code, as referenced in Section 11. Specifically, the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) states that, "Employers, service providers, unions and housing providers have a legal duty to accommodate people's beliefs and practices."
The School Board recognizes and values the religious diversity within its community and is committed to providing a safe, respectful and equitable environment for all, free from all forms of discriminatory or harassing behaviour, including those based on religion.
As part of this commitment, and as required by the Ministry of Education, the board has established its Religious Accommodation Operating Procedure to recognize, value, broaden the awareness of, and take all reasonable steps to accommodate, the religious diversity within the board’s community.
Parents/guardians of students should submit a Religious Accommodation form to their school principal in early September (or as early in the school year as possible).