About the Human Rights Office
The Human Rights Office (HRO) supports Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) in fostering a culture of respect for human rights in all HWDSB learning and working environments. The HRO’s mandate is to promote and protect the human rights of students, families, staff and the broader HWDSB community. Guided by the Ontario Human Rights Code and HWDSB’s Human Rights Policy, the HRO providing the following services:
Building and maintaining a culture of respect for human rights
Working collaboratively with the Board and the HWDSB community (students, staff, families and community), the HRO supports HWDSB in identifying and addressing systemic barriers, inequitable and discriminatory practices to prevent discrimination in all learning and working environments. This includes embedding human rights and equity principles in policies and procedures through the Human Rights Impact Assessment process to identify and address human rights barriers proactively.
Building capacity in understanding and applying human rights at all levels
Promoting human rights education and professional development, the HRO engages the HWDSB community to increase understanding of human rights, roles and responsibilities. The HRO plays a key role in building the capacity of duty holders across HWDSB to understand and meet their human rights responsibilities. Through targeted professional learning, training sessions, and resource development, the HRO supports leaders and staff to recognize, prevent, and appropriately respond to discrimination and harassment. This work strengthens knowledge of the Ontario Human Rights Code, promotes consistent and fair practices, and helps embed human rights and equity principles into everyday decision making.
Overseeing and supporting the internal human rights complaints resolution process
The HRO receives, resolves and investigates human rights concerns and complaints that are reported to the Office following the Board’s Human Rights Complaints Resolution Procedure. The HRO works to ensure concerns are taken seriously, handled fairly, and addressed as early as possible. By providing guidance and support throughout the process, the HRO helps ensure responses are respectful, consistent, and aligned with the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Systems Navigation for Students and Families
The HRO provides direct support to students and families through it human rights and equity systems navigator program. This service helps bridge the gap for students and families who experience systemic barriers in navigating the education system and their access to meaningful and equitable education through culturally responsive and identity affirming navigation supports.
Learn more about System Navigation Here
Guiding Principles
The HRO's Guiding Principles Are:
- Impartiality
- Confidentiality
- Intersectionality
- Restorative Approaches
- Shared Leadership
- Reinforcing Indigenous Educational Wellness and Reconciliation
Know your rights:
Human Rights Information Session for Parents