Why this review was done

In 2025, the Upper Grand District School Board asked independent reviewers to examine our policies, practices, and experiences related to human rights.

We asked for this review because we wanted an honest assessment of how well we are supporting human rights across our schools and workplaces.

The reviewers gathered information from students, staff, families, and community members through surveys, interviews, and written submissions.

More than 4,000 students and hundreds of staff and community members participated.

What the review found

The report found that there are many positive efforts underway. These include:

• Programs and supports for diverse students

• Work to develop a human rights policy

• Efforts to improve equity in education and learning

• Commitment from leadership to strengthen human rights practices

At the same time, the report identified serious concerns, including:

• Lack of clarity about how to report human rights concerns

• Inconsistent responses to incidents across schools

• Students and staff experiencing discrimination, harassment, and harm

• Need for more learning and support for staff

• Need for more transparency and communication

What happens next

We accept the results of this report. We are committed to taking action on recommendations included in the report, and to continuing the work already underway. This includes:

• Strengthening reporting and response processes

• Improving learning and support for staff

• Creating new advisory committees

• Improving communication and transparency

• Providing regular public updates on our progress

We know this work will take time.

We are committed to listening, learning, and improving. We will share regular updates so our community can see how this work is progressing.

As a learning organization, it is important that we review and reflect in order to improve. This approach is consistent with our Multi-Year Plan enabler to continuously learn, evaluate and improve. It is also consistent with a number of reviews we’ve done in the past few years (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Alternative Education, Multi-Language Learners). This review is an important step in building safer, more inclusive schools for everyone.