Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Support

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPR) values equity, diversity, inclusiveness, dignity, and the humanity of each individual in its policies, practices, programs, and interactions with all members of the KPR community, including staff, students, parents and caregivers, trustees, and other community members. Under the leadership of the Commissioner’s Office of Human Rights, Equity and Accessibility (COHREA), the Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Oversight Team includes the Human Rights, Equity and Accessibility Commissioner; the Superintendent of Education: Student Achievement, who is responsible for educational equity initiatives; and the Superintendent of Human Resources, who is responsible for employment equity matters.

Equity Diversity and Inclusion Leadership and Oversight

The EDI Oversight Team, in collaboration with members of the Equity Diversity & Accessibility Advisory Committee (EDIAC), serves as a vital resource at KPR. Its goal is to advance the principles of equity, diversity, inclusiveness, and accessibility, which are foundational to building an educational culture anchored in respect for the dignity of all persons.

Legal and Policy Framework

In collaboration with students, employees, trustees, and the community, the EDI Oversight Team and Equity Champions facilitate student achievement and foster just and fair working and learning environments. This work is guided primarily by the principles and practices mandated under:

• the Charter of Rights & Freedoms,
• the Ontario Human Rights Code,
• the Education Act,
• the Safe Schools Act,
• Ontario's Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy, and
• the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 and 2005.

Equity Champions and Advisory Committee Work

In collaboration with other departments and programs, the Equity Champions:

• implements equity-related policies and administrative regulations
• involves community partners in equity and diversity initiatives
• supports Equity Leaders and groups within KPR schools
• provides anti-oppression education to teachers and teacher mentors
• delivers equity and diversity training to school administrators, managers, and all staff
• creates and disseminates resources and coordinates projects that enhance understanding of equity, diversity and inclusion in our Board community
• celebrates the rich diversity of faith traditions within our school communities by supporting the recognition and acknowledgement of Days of Significance in KPR's Calendar.

The Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility Advisory Committee (EDIAC) brings together the former Accessibility Advisory Committee and the former Advisory Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee into a single advisory committee with broad representation from employee groups across KPR. The committee’s mandate is to foster equity and accessibility literacy and to identify and address key concerns related to human resources services, educational services, and business services. Its goal is to ensure that leadership and direction are in place to address these matters and build system-wide capacity. Within EDIAC several specialized EDIAC Working Groups have been established to address important issues related to EDI and accessibility and to support positive impact in these areas.