Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion
What This Commitment Means
We ensure an inclusive, respectful, accessible and equitable environment where human rights are upheld, diversity is celebrated and systemic barriers are addressed. This includes ensuring that all students and staff have the opportunities, support, and tools they need to succeed.
Highlights from 2025-2026
- The HDSB launched a new Anti-Hate Protocol in September 2025, which was delivered to administrators in small group sessions to allow for deeper learning, reflections and questions. The Anti-Hate Protocol was also part of professional development for all staff.
- Improved accuracy of hate/bias incident coding (over 80% correct), enabling reliable long-term data. The HDSB continues to monitor incidents of racism, hate, bias and discrimination as they relate to suspensions. We actively use this data to inform administrators and educators about the need for ongoing work to create safe, welcoming and supportive spaces for all students.
- Used Student Voices Reports to guide professional learning and leadership development.
- Advanced equitable hiring practices and collected updated Staff Census data. Delivered Anti-Bias & Inclusive Hiring Practices training to all hiring managers, corporate and school-based.
- Supported staff affinity spaces, Indigenous and Racialized Educators Network and Queer and Trans Educator Network, to promote staff retention.
- Brilliant Black Futures: A celebration in honour of Black History Month
- T.A. Blakelock student Michael Ekeng highlights Black excellence on CBC Radio
- HDSB marks National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
- Community Pathways Program Graduation at Craig Kielburger SS
- Empowering the Next Generation: Abbey Park HS Hosts Annual International Women’s Day Breakfast
- HDSB and Special Olympics Ontario Celebrate Success of Inclusive Sports Festival at Milton Velodrome
By The Numbers
- Data that monitors hate and/or bias-motivated occurrences is currently being compiled for the 2025-2026 academic year and will be shared in the next reporting cycle.
- Approximately 250 educators attended the Creating Inclusive Classrooms series, where they engaged with findings from the HDSB’s Student Voices Reports. Staff learned strategies to create inclusive classrooms, address discrimination and foster kindness, connection and community.
- Instructional Program Leaders collaborated with teacher teams across multiple schools to strengthen the implementation of Culturally Responsive and Relevant Pedagogy. The work supports educators in responding to harm while proactively affirming student identities through curriculum expectations and instructional practices, helping to foster more inclusive learning environments.
What’s Next
- Use the 2025-2026 staff and student data to continue to inform planning, decision-making and initiatives.
- Expand anti-hate practices across all schools.
- Strengthen data-informed prevention strategies where disproportionalities persist.
- Continue efforts to diversify recruitment efforts and support an inclusive workplace environment.
- Continue to integrate responsive protocols for addressing incidents of hate and align school-based responses with system-level actions.
- Advance curriculum and achievement through Culturally Responsive and Relevant Pedagogy, leveraging student perspectives, including findings from the Student Voice Report, to inform professional learning and build capacity among classroom educators and school administrators.
2025-2026 CEO’s Annual Report Sections
Six Commitments to Student Success
