About TCDSB
Human Rights and Equity Advisor
The Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) is committed to building and fostering learning and work environments that are free from discrimination or harassment under the Ontario Human Rights Code (“Code”) and that encourages and allows all students, staff, parents/guardians and TCDSB community members to realize their full potential.
The Code provides that everyone has a right to equal treatment without discrimination or harassment in five different areas (called “social areas”), including education services and employment, based on one or more protected grounds:
Citizenship
Race
Place of origin
Ethnic origin
Colour
Ancestry
Disability
Age
Creed
Sex/pregnancy
Family status
Marital status
Sexual orientation
Gender identity
Gender expression
Record of offences (in employment only)
Discrimination
Discrimination is differential treatment involving a social area based on one or more protected grounds that results in harm or disadvantage. Discrimination can be direct or indirect and does not need to be intended or on purpose.
Harassment
Harassment occurs when someone engages in a course or pattern of vexatious comment or conduct based on a protected ground that is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome.
Addressing Discrimination or Harassment
Any member of the TCDSB community who believes that they have experienced discrimination or harassment based on any protected ground under the Code is encouraged to contact the Human Rights and Equity Advisor’s Office ("HREA"). The HREA is an independent office at the TCDSB with the goal of addressing human rights concerns and complaints from members of the TCDSB community.
The HREA is neutral and impartial and does not advocate for any individual or group or take sides on an issue. The HREA will listen to all concerns raised and assess whether the concerns relate to the Code.