Human rights are the fundamental freedoms and protections that every person is entitled to. They are grounded in values of dignity, fairness, equity, and respect for all. At the Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB), we are committed to ensuring that all students, staff, and community members learn and work in environments that are safe, welcoming, inclusive, and free from discrimination, harassment, and hate.

Human rights are protected by the Ontario Human Rights Code, which prohibits discrimination and harassment based on protected grounds.

Protected grounds are:

• Age

• Ancestry, colour, race

• Citizenship

• Ethnic origin

• Place of origin

• Creed

• Disability

• Family status

• Marital status (including single status)

• Gender identity, gender expression

• Receipt of public assistance (in housing only)

• Record of offences (in employment only)

• Sex (including pregnancy and breastfeeding)

• Sexual orientation