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DCDSB Anti-Racism Policy (PO200)

DCDSB Anti-Racism Policy (PO200) was approved by the Board of Trustees on September 21, 2022. Please view the final policy on our website.

Important Terms from DCDSB Anti-Racism Policy (PO200) and Ontario Human Rights Code

Racism: Any distinction, conduct or action, whether intentional or not, but based on a person’s race, which has the effect of imposing burdens on an individual or group, not imposed upon others or which withholds or limits access to benefits available to other members of society.
Discrimination: Treating someone unfairly by either imposing a burden on them, or denying them a privilege, benefit or opportunity enjoyed by others, because of their race, citizenship, family status, disability, sex or other personal characteristics.
Bias: A predisposition, prejudice or generalization about a group of persons based on personal characteristics or stereotypes.
Equity: fairness, impartiality, even-handedness. A distinct process of recognizing differences within groups of individuals, and using this understanding to achieve substantive equality in all aspects of a person’s life.

Human Rights Day

December 10 is Human Rights Day

With the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, the quest to build an equitable, just, inclusive, and discrimination-free society formally became a global effort. Although much has been done towards realizing the objectives of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, more work needs to be done. The 74th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights will be celebrated on December 10, 2022. This year's theme is "Dignity, Freedom and Justice for All".

Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) recognizes that upholding the dignity of all persons is our collective legal, moral, and professional obligation. This is also consistent with Catholic Social Teaching, DCDSB Anti-Racism Policy (PO200), the Ontario Human Rights Code, and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Continuing to identify and eliminate discriminatory practices, systemic barriers and biases from our schools, is the collective responsibility of students, staff, administrators, trustees and families. This year’s Human Rights Day presents every member of the DCDSB community with a call to re-commit to increasing self-awareness and engaging in anti-racism and anti-discrimination learning towards creating spaces where all persons are seen, heard, respected and supported to succeed as fully contributing members of the community.

DCDSB efforts to deepen equity, diversity and inclusion across the Board include, but are not limited to:

Introduction of the new culturally relevant and responsive courses, including Grade 11 compulsory English course, Understanding Contemporary First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Voices, Grade 12 course Contemporary Indigenous Issues and Perspectives in a Global Context, and Grade 12 course Deconstructing Anti-Black Racism in the Canadian and North American Context.
Establishment of an Anti-Black Racism and Black Excellence Advisory Committee.
Appointment of a Human Rights and Equity Advisor to the Senior Administrative Team.
Approval of Anti-Racism Policy (PO-200).
Addition of key positions such as Coach/Advocates for Black Students and an Equity Consultant.
Initiation of a comprehensive special education review through the LEAD (Leading Equitable & Accessible Delivery) Process in collaboration with the Abilities Centre.
Recognition of June as Pride month through the raising of the Rainbow Flag.
Enhancing and increasing availability of resources and professional development to better support 2SLGBTQ+ students in our Catholic learning community.
Establishment of Equity Action Plan for focused professional development for leaders and staff.

DCDSB will continue to have open discussions about human rights, anti-racism and anti-discrimination in our schools and workplaces. We are also committed to building capacity to address code-based complaints resolution through ongoing human rights and equity training for all staff, school administrators, senior administration and Trustees.

On December 10, and every day, we will continue to focus on advancing human rights.

DCDSB Student Census

As part of our commitment to Equity and Inclusion, the Durham Catholic District School is conducting a student census in April 2022. The Stand Up, Be Counted, Be Heard Student Census is a voluntary survey that offers students in Grades 4 to 12 an opportunity to share your identities, cultures, race, ethnicities, gender, and abilities.

Schools board across Ontario are required by Ontario’s Education Equity Action Plan and Anti-Racism Act, 2017 to gather and report identity-based data by 2023.

DCDSB Student Census was conducted in April 2022.