If you hear it, speak up – Reporting harmful language in schools
October 18, 2023
Guelph, ON – The words we use in schools and in our board offices mean things, and we all have a responsibility to speak up when we hear harmful language or discriminatory practices being used in our educational settings.
The Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) has an ongoing commitment to disrupting harmful language used in schools and to disrupting systemic racism and oppression in different forms, but stopping harmful language and discriminatory practices in schools is how you can make a difference.
What is harmful language? Harmful language are words — or even gestures — that are discriminatory, prejudiced, hurtful, biased and/or unfair to another student or individual. These words can target another person’s race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, socioeconomic status, etc.
How do we stop and report harmful language in schools?
Stop it in its tracks – Interrupt the harmful language in the moment or as soon as you are aware of it. It is important that all individuals hear the message that there are high expectations around acceptable language use and the safety and well-being of students in our schools and board offices.
Offer help – Make sure that the individual who received the harmful language is supported by asking them how you can help them feel safe? Guide that student to talk to a trusted adult about the incident (e.g. a teacher, guidance counsellor, or principal.) Indicate that the incident can be reported using our Report Bullying App.
Name and educate – Identify and explain the harm and discrimination caused by the language used without perpetuating the use of hate-based language e.g., “You just made a harmful comment/put down based upon race (religion, ethnicity, ability, gender, age, sexual orientation, economic status size etc.) and that language and behaviour is not acceptable here.” Respond to “just joking” comments through addressing intention vs. impact and ensuring that your student or child understands that no matter the reason or intention, the language is not acceptable. Respond to “freedom of speech” comments by addressing the protections within the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Uphold accountability – Hold all individuals responsible for their harmful language and/or discriminatory practices. Staff, students, parents and guardians can report what happened.
The UGDSB is doing their part to support anti-colonialism, anti-racism, anti-oppression and inclusion in our schools and board offices, and you can learn more below:
- Equity and Inclusion Plan
- Policy 519 – Indigenous Education
- Policy 503 – Safe Schools
- Additional Equity focused UGDSB Policies
