reflects the board’s commitment to provide and maintain safe and healthy environments conducive to learning and working for all. In alignment with
Ontario’s Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy, the policy affects all areas of the board’s programs, guidelines and practices, ranging from curriculum and assessment to religious accommodation, creating a welcoming school climate and preventing discrimination and harassment.
To provide feedback on accessibility matters please contact accessibility staff at:
Equitable hiring, promotion at the Peel board
The Peel District School Board is committed to equity in employment. We are committed to equitable hiring practices that allow us to hire qualified staff who reflect the full diversity of the Region of Peel. We will make any reasonable accommodation, based on any of the human rights protected grounds, to support candidates to participate in the hiring process.
When contacted, candidates will be provided with an overview of the various elements of the selection process, such as tests and skill demonstrations. We will provide employment accommodation (i.e. an accessible location, rescheduling of interviews that fall on religious holy days) if we are advised of an applicant's needs in advance of any part of the selection process.
More information:
Human Rights
Everyone has a right to be treated with respect and dignity, and to teach, learn and work in an environment that's free from discrimination and harassment. That is a core belief of the Peel board. Our commitment to human rights isn't just the words of a policy—it must be demonstrated by our actions every day. Together, we share the duty to prevent and eliminate discrimination and harassment.
For more information on Policy 51 – Human Rights, visit the
Human Rights Commissioner's Office.
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
In the Peel District School Board, we choose action each and every day to proactively eliminate racism in all forms and be inclusive in our school communities. We use an anti-oppressive stance to support a safe and positive Climate for Learning and Working and maintain staff, student and community well-being.
Peel schools and worksites had originally planned to recognize this day on March 24, but seeing as schools will be closed on this day, we will now acknowledge the day on March 21, when it is recognized around the world.
Resources
Additional resources
Months of Recognition
As part of the board's commitment to equity and inclusion and to help better reflect student identity, the Peel board approved motions to recognize and celebrate Islamic Heritage Month in October, Indigenous Heritage Month and Hindu Heritage Month in November, Christian Heritage Month in December, Sikh Heritage Month in April and Jewish Heritage Month in May. The board continues to recognize and celebrate Black History Month in February, Asian Heritage Month in May and Pride Month in June.
The purpose of the months of recognition is to create environments that foster inclusion, celebrate diversities and nurture understanding.
Poverty Reduction Strategy
The Peel board is an advocate for poverty reduction and works collaboratively with the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Children and Youth Services, the Region of Peel and service organizations to address some of the poverty challenges in Peel. The board has established policies and operating procedures to assist children and families in combating poverty and has instituted programs to support that goal.
Peel board's role in Ontario's Poverty Reduction Strategy
Raising of Flags
The Peel board's Flag Raising Operating Procedure is intended to recognize and celebrate the diversity that is reflected in our students, staff, and community throughout Peel and to lend support for various causes/initiatives that are of importance to these groups/individuals. The operating procedure outlines the types of recognition available, the criteria and application process and roles and responsibilities of staff in accordance with Board Policy 62 – Flag Raising.
Flag raising requests for the period between September 1 – June 30 will be received for review and evaluation between April 1 – April 30 of the year prior. Applications for flag raisings must be completed electronically using the online Flag Raising Request Form which will be available between April 1 – April 30. The application in alternative formats is available upon request.
Raising of the Pride Flag, First Nations Flag and other flags at Peel District School Board schools and sites
At the Regular Meeting of the Board on May 22, 2018, Peel District School Board Trustees approved the following motion:
Whereas, the Peel District School Board is committed to the principles of equity and inclusion;
And whereas, the administrative regulations of Board Policy #62 – Flag Raising, do not permit schools to fly flags other than flags listed in Regulation 298 of the Education Act;
Be it resolved that the Peel District School Board approve:
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Revising Board Policy #62, Flag Raising, to permit raising flags in addition to those listed in Regulation 298 of the Education Act;
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Establishing a Committee, which will include Trustee representation, to develop an operating procedure that will include criteria for reviewing requests from individuals and/or groups to raise flags at all Peel District School Board schools and sites;
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Raising the Pride Flag and Indigenous Flag in the month of June at all Peel District School Board schools and sites.
What does the motion mean?
As a result of this motion, the Pride Flag and
The Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation Flag being raised in all Peel board schools and sites in the month of June.
Learn more in our FAQ
Religious Accommodation
Religious accommodation is required under the Ontario Human Rights Code, as referenced in Section 11. Specifically, the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) states that, "Employers, service providers, unions and housing providers have a legal duty to accommodate people's beliefs and practices."
The Peel District School Board recognizes and values the religious diversity within its community and is committed to providing a safe, respectful and equitable environment for all, free from all forms of discriminatory or harassing behaviour, including those based on religion.
As part of this commitment, and as required by the Ministry of Education, the board has established its 
Religious Accommodation Operating Procedure to recognize, value, broaden the awareness of, and take all reasonable steps to accommodate, the religious diversity within the board’s community.
Parents of Peel students should submit a 
religious accommodation form to their school principal in early September (or as early in the school year as possible).
