Diversity & Inclusion

The Board recognizes and values the diversity found within its school communities and believes that each individual contributes to the strength of the District's culture. The Board is committed to establishing and maintaining a safe and positive environment, free from discrimination, harassment or intimidation for all students, employees and community members. It recognizes and supports the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, as well as the BC Human Rights Code which prohibits discrimination based on race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical and mental ability, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression.

The Board believes that each member of the District community must share the responsibility for supporting students and staff in addressing and facing the challenges in providing an education system that is safe, welcoming, inclusive and affirming for its students, employees and community members.

The Board will create and maintain policies and practices that foster student success and promote fair and equitable treatment for all. These include providing:

1. Equitable access to a quality education;
2. School cultures that value and celebrate diversity, and which respond to the diverse social and cultural needs of the people and communities they serve;
3. Learning and working environments that are inclusive, safe and welcoming, and free from discrimination, harassment or violence;
4. Flexible personalized learning environments that are responsive and relevant to children’s varied learning styles;
5. Inclusive practices that address the unique learning needs of all students.

The Board will neither permit, encourage, nor condone any behaviours contrary to these commitments, whether by commission or by failing to act with the intent of bringing such behaviours to an end, and is committed to providing support and assistance to those who may be the intended or unintended targets of such behaviours.