Diversity & Equity

We believe that equity of opportunity and access to all programs, services, and resources are critical to the well-being of students, staff and community members. Below are a few examples of how we are working to achieve this vision:

Students:

- We held a Students Equity Conference and asked students to undertake an “Equity Audit” of their schools. Student told the equity and inclusion stories of their schools through video. Check out the compilation on our YouTube Channel.

- We ensure the principles of equitable and inclusive education are incorporated into all policies, programs, procedures and practices.

- We review resources, instruction and assessment/evaluation practices to identify and eliminate discriminatory bias and systemic barriers.

Staff:

- We conducted an Employment Systems Review to ensure that our hiring policies and practices are equitable and fair.

- We conducted a Workforce Census to better understand our staff and what they bring to help us fulfill our mission.

- We launched A Date with Diversity – a professional learning opportunity with internal and external partners.

- We launched our Employee Resource Councils to expand employee engagement.

Community:

- We establish and maintain collaborative relationships with diverse communities.

- We consult with local community organizations and the Ontario Multifaith Council to identify days of significance to members of the faith communities in our District for inclusion in our Holy Days/ Days of Significance Calendar, as per our Religious Accommodation Policy and Procedure.

2019 Black Student Forum - A Seat at Our Table

On Monday, March 25, 2019, African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) students and their allies gathered at the Confederation Education Centre (1645 Woodroffe Ave.) to share aspects of their lived experiences, within and outside the OCDSB, that impact their academic success and well-being.

Under the theme, A Seat at our Table, the students generated and engaged participants in three discussion spaces: Black Excellence, Mental Health and Self Care and Systemic Racism.

In a segment entitled Dear OCDSB, the students also shared:

a) What they have enjoyed about being a student within the OCDSB;

b) What challenges they have had within the OCDSB; and

c) Suggestions for the OCDSB to support its commitments to honour the International Decade for Persons of African Descent and to be an equitable and inclusive learning space for the full diversity of its student population.

During the lunch hour, students showcased some of the artistic performances they created for their Black History Legacy assemblies. The conference closed with Camille Williams-Taylor, the Director of Education, summarizing what she heard from the students.

Ottawa Carleton District School Board