Human Rights at UGDSB: Progress and Actions
The Upper Grand District School Board is committed to focusing on Human Rights work within the board, continuing the work already underway and implementing recommendations from the independent Human Rights Review.
This page provides regular updates on our progress.
We will update this page regularly so our community can follow our work.
AREA | ACTION | STATUS | WHAT THIS MEANS | TIMELINE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Governance | Finalize Policy 217 alongside companion procedures to avoid procedural gaps. | In Progress | Policy 217 has advanced into its final refinement phase. This includes integrating Independent Review recommendations through the development of standardized complaint processes, clearly defined response timelines, and a Hate Incident Protocol. The emphasis is on ensuring that the policy is supported by the procedures and tools required for consistent application across all schools and departments. | Initial rollout anticipated in Fall 2026 |
Governance & Role Clarity | Clarify and publicly articulate the distinct roles of the HREA-O (advisory vs. investigative vs. system capacity building), including updated mandate document and internal workflow. | Planning | Addresses confusion identified in the review regarding the HREA-O mandate and potential role conflict. | Draft clarification by Spring 2026 |
Governance & Dispute Resolution | Develop a standardized Human Rights Intake & Early Resolution Process with clear pathways, timelines, and communication protocols. | Planning | Related to Procedures #217: Responds to lack of clarity about complaint processes and inconsistent handling across schools. | Full implementation September 2026 |
Governance & Dispute Resolution | Establish accessible, public-facing reporting pathways. | Planning | Work is underway to establish accessible, public-facing reporting pathways, including a “Report a Concern” process supported by clear definitions, process maps, and guidance for students, staff, and families. | |
Human Rights for Student Success & Early Identification | Launch Human Rights for Student Success & Early Identification Initiative (HRSSI-EI). | In Progress | Structured school visits focused on identity-based harm, academic disproportionality, and local capacity building. | February 2026 - On-going |
Network of Human Rights Representatives | Re-establish and redefine School-Based Human Rights Leads (formerly Equity Reps) with defined scope, training, and reporting structure. | In Progress | Addresses uneven implementation across schools and builds distributed leadership rather than centralizing all responsibility in Area Office. | Recruitment June 2026; Training September 2026 |
Demographic Data | Develop internal Human Rights dashboard. | Planning | ||
Learning & Training | Continue internal learning and training for staff and leaders | In Progress | At the April 24, 2026, PD Day, staff will participate in Human Rights training. |