Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) is committed to upholding human rights and maintaining a culture of respect for the inherent dignity of the human person.
Human Rights Complaint Resolution Process
Students, parents/guardians/caregivers, and/or community members with questions or concerns about code-based matters should follow the steps below. In most situations, the process starts with your child’s school administration (Principal/Vice-Principal), then your Family of Schools Superintendent of Education, with any outstanding matters being directed to the Human Rights and Equity Advisor, followed by the Director of Education.
The first place to address classroom or school-related Human Rights-related questions or concerns is your school principal or vice-principal. They will look to address the concern through an informal resolution and restoration process. If this is not possible, the Administrator will conduct a formal investigation.
If the concern is not resolved at the school level, it may be directed to the Family of Schools Superintendent or other appropriate member of Senior Administration. They will look to address the concern through an informal resolution and restoration process. If this is not possible, the member of Senior Administration will conduct a formal investigation.
If the concern is not resolved at the senior administration level, it may be directed to the Human Rights and Equity Advisor (HREA). The HREA will also work towards an informal resolution and restoration. If this is not possible, the HREA will conduct a formal investigation. After a formal investigation is conducted, the matter will then proceed to Step 4.
Once the HREA concludes the formal investigation, they will forward their recommendation to the Director of Education for consideration. The decision or response of the Director of Education will be final on behalf of the Durham Catholic District School Board.
Human Rights Concern/Complaint Intake Form
The DCDSB is committed to addressing Human Rights complaints and/or concerns in a timely manner. In Step 3 of the process outlined above, or when the Human Rights & Equity Advisor is contacted, you are required to complete the Human Rights Concern/Complaint Intake Form. The submission of the form helps us to assess your concern/complaint in a timely matter, by gathering as much information as possible.
Click here to complete the Human Rights Concern/Complaint Intake Form
Investigation and Resolution Process
We address human rights concerns applying DCDSB policies and procedures as well as relevant legislation, including the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Investigations typically result in written findings and recommendations to remedy the human rights concern. The findings are shared with the individuals impacted, subject to privacy protections, and system-level recommendations are shared with the Director of Education for consideration.
Role of the Human Rights and Equity Advisor
The Human Rights and Equity Advisor will work towards complaint resolution and restorative justice by overseeing the board’s internal human rights complaints procedure. They will act in a non-partisan capacity to protect and advance human rights as articulated in the Ontario Human Rights Code and school board policies.
The Human Rights and Equity Advisor will also maintain appropriate independence and impartiality and will not:
- Provide legal advice or representation to, or act as legal counsel; or
- Provide other advice or take other actions in relation to any party in a dispute that may place them in an actual or perceived conflict of interest in relation to any other party to the dispute.
Accessibility and/or Accommodation
If you require help to fill out the form or any other type of accommodation during the concern/complaint resolution process, please contact HREA@dcdsb.ca and we would be happy to provide support.
Privacy
This process is intended to be a safe and confidential space for anyone in the DCDSB community to bring forward human rights concerns, complaints or issues.
All appointments must be made in advance by phone or via email. Appointments or consultations will be conducted through a phone call, virtual meeting, or in-person meeting.
Contact
To learn more please contact the DCDSB Human Rights and Equity Advisor at HumanRights@dcdsb.ca