GUELPH, Ontario – The Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) is proud to announce the Board of Trustees officially approved the development of a comprehensive Human Rights Policy Framework. Under the leadership of the Human Rights, Equity, and Accessibility (HREA) Commissioner, this initiative marks a significant milestone in integrating human rights principles into every aspect of UGDSB’s operations.
The new policy will aim to establish a foundation that reflects the diverse needs of our community, ensuring every individual within the UGDSB is respected, valued, and provided with equitable opportunities. By using best practices from leading human rights organizations and other educational institutions, the UGDSB will develop a policy that addresses all forms of discrimination and promotes equity.
UGDSB Director of Education, Peter Sovran, stated, “This inaugural human rights policy is a testament to our commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for all students and staff. We are dedicated to ensuring every voice is heard and valued, particularly those from underrepresented communities.”
The policy development will involve extensive consultation with students, staff, and the broader community. The consultation and implementation process will include:
Conducting proactive outreach to key stakeholder groups soliciting feedback, including the Student Senate, Parent Involvement Committee (PIC), Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC), First Nations, Métis, Inuit Education Council (FNMIEC), school councils, professional associations, unions, students, parents, and other community partners.
Developing training modules for all members of the UGDSB community to raise awareness and build capacity.
Implementing continuous monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to allow for adjustments based on feedback and data.
Establishing support systems with clear reporting procedures to assist individuals in understanding and exercising their human rights.
“This policy framework will be crucial in addressing human rights complaints and dismantling systemic barriers,” said Alicia Ralph, Human Rights, Equity and Accessibility Commissioner at UGDSB. “It will help us promote a culture of human rights through education, awareness, and empowerment of both students and staff.”
More details surrounding feedback opportunities and the consultation process will be shared on the UGDSB website in the coming months.
About the Upper Grand District School Board
The Upper Grand District School Board serves more than 35,000 students through 65 elementary schools and 11 secondary schools in the City of Guelph, County of Wellington and County of Dufferin. The UGDSB covers the ancestral and traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Six Nations of the Grand River, and Saugeen Ojibway Nation Territories. Inspiring a love of learning and developing engaged, globally literate citizens is the shared purpose of our Board of Trustees, Executive Committee, and more than 4,000 dedicated education and support staff who are aided by the contributions of caring volunteers and community partners.
Our Purpose: To inspire a love of learning and develop engaged, globally literate citizens.
Our Vision: To be recognized as leaders in creating unparalleled, agile, and inclusive learning experiences for all.
Our Plan:
We will…
Deliver foundational education and student achievement
We will…
Inspire a love of lifelong learning
Champion health and wellbeing
Ensure equity of access and outcomes
Lead through sustainability
We will…
Foster engaging and supportive learning environments
Strengthen and grow community relationships
Continuously learn, evaluate and improve