Human Rights - FAQ's

The Ontario Human Rights Code (Code) protects people from discrimination and harassment in education, employment, housing, services and facilities on grounds such as disability, race, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, family status and marital status. As a public-school board in Ontario, KPR must comply with the Code by providing inclusive, respectful learning and working environments that are free from discrimination.

Schools play a critical role in ensuring that every student can learn, belong and succeed. The Human Rights Code helps ensure that all students, families and employees are treated with dignity and respect and have equitable access to educational opportunities, programs, services and employment. Human rights protections help create safe, inclusive and welcoming learning and working environments where everyone can participate fully. 

The Commissioner's Office of Human Rights Equity and Accessibility (COHREA) role at KPR is foremost to ensure compliance with the Human Rights Code through and, for the complaint’s process, operates as an arms-length office from the rest of the Board.

Policy B-3.3, Human Rights: Code-Based Discrimination and Harassment is KPR’s policy that aligns with the Human Rights.

COHREA reviews general correspondence and any reported human rights concerns promptly, fairly, carefully and confidentially. It assesses whether a concern may involve discrimination or harassment related to a protected ground under the Ontario Human Rights Code, explains likely next steps, and where appropriate, supports a fair resolution or referral process.

COHREA supports prevention of discrimination and harassment through human rights education, training, policy guidance and awareness initiatives. This work helps members of the KPR community understand their rights and responsibilities, identify and remove barriers, and foster inclusive learning and working environments where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Discrimination occurs when a person experiences unfair treatment, disadvantage or denial of opportunity because of a protected ground under the Ontario Human Rights Code. It may be direct or indirect, intentional or unintentional, and can arise from conduct, policies, practices, attitudes or barriers, such as denying disability-related access, refusing religious accommodation or treating someone differently because of race or family status.

Harassment is unwelcome conduct, comments or actions related to a protected ground under the Human Rights Code that are known, or ought reasonably to be known, to be unwelcome. It can occur in person, online, in writing or through social media and may include racial slurs, stereotypes, repeated comments about a disability, or derogatory remarks about a person’s religion, gender identity or sexual orientation.

The duty to accommodate requires KPR to take reasonable steps to remove barriers related to a protected ground under the Ontario Human Rights Code. Its purpose is to provide equitable access to education, employment, services and opportunities. Accommodation must be individualized because people with similar needs may require different supports. The goal is meaningful participation that respects each person’s dignity, inclusion and circumstances.

Mainly students and employees, but also parents or guardians, volunteers and members of the public may request accommodation for needs related to a protected ground under the Ontario Human Rights Code. Requests commonly relate to disability, creed or religion, family status, pregnancy, gender identity or gender expression. However, the duty to accommodate may apply to any protected ground under the Code.

At KPR, accommodation requests may include alternative-format learning materials, assistive technology, specialized equipment or individualized education supports. They may also include modified schedules, religious accommodation for holy days or observances, and accessibility features for meetings, events or school activities. KPR determines accommodation measures individually based on each person’s specific needs and circumstances.

When an accommodation is requested, the school board may require information that helps identify the accommodation needs and determine appropriate supports. The school board will only request information that is reasonably necessary to assess and implement accommodation and will respect privacy and confidentiality requirements.

Accommodation is a shared process between the individual and KPR. Individuals are expected to identify their need, participate in discussions, provide relevant information when reasonably required and cooperate in identifying solutions. KPR is responsible for assessing needs, exploring options and implementing appropriate accommodation measures.

KPR must accommodate needs under the Ontario Human Rights Code unless doing so would cause undue hardship. Only cost, available outside funding, and health and safety requirements may be considered when assessing undue hardship. This is a high standard that must be supported by objective evidence.

If you believe your human rights have been affected, please raise the concern with the appropriate KPR administrator, supervisor or manager, or contact COHREA through the Board’s confidential online reporting tool, Report IT!. Submissions are reviewed daily and confidentially in accordance with COHREA’s complaints-handling practices.

Through COHREA, KPR promotes human rights by advancing equitable policies, addressing discrimination and harassment, supporting accommodations, providing training, and removing barriers to participation. This work helps foster safe, respectful, and welcoming learning and working environments where everyone is valued.