Anti-discrimination commitment

Boarding Handbook 2020-21

Anti-Discrimination Commitment

Definitions

Discrimination can be intentional or unintentional acts that have negative consequences on an individual or group. It is when people are treated unequally and unfairly because of race, ancestry, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed (religion), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, family status, (dis)ability, neurodiversity, socio-economic status or any personal characteristic (“ground”) protected by the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Harassment means engaging in any annoying and/or provoking comment or conduct that is considered unwelcome.

Discrimination and harassment because of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, race, religion or ethnicity is contrary to the Ontario Human Rights Code. Branksome Hall affirms that each person has the right to equal treatment without discrimination and our commitment to diversity and inclusive practices is reflected in all areas of school life. It is expected that all members of our community–students, parents, faculty, staff, administration, governors and alums–are open to viewing and respecting differences as a source of strength and a means of growth for the entire community.

Branksome Hall is committed to providing an environment free of discrimination, where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, can contribute fully and have equal opportunities. This commitment includes actively developing and maintaining policy, practices, and curriculum that support anti-racism and anti-discrimination education for students, parents and employees.

Under the Ontario Human Rights Code, every person has the right to be free from harassment and discrimination. Harassment and discrimination will not be tolerated, condoned or ignored at Branksome Hall. Branksome Hall will ensure that students and staff can report incidents of discrimination and harassment safely and will enable school personnel to respond in a timely manner. If a claim of harassment or discrimination is proven, a progressive and/or disciplinary measure will be applied.

Procedure For Reporting Of Discrimination

1.	We encourage students to report acts of discrimination or harrassment. They may do so by speaking with a trusted adult, or by completing a confidential Discrimination Report form available on the Portal. They may be completed anonymously, though accountability and follow-through are more difficult in these cases.
2.	Remember the facts: date, place, time, and individuals involved.
3.	The Assistant Head, Senior and Middle School, Operations, will read the report and begin an investigation in collaboration with the appropriate member of administration (e.g., Director, Boarding). Where possible for isolated acts, the progressive response approach outlined in Section 8 of the Branksome Hall Code of Conduct will be employed.
4.	For incidents where this is not possible, direct conversations between administration and students involved will take place. The school’s goal is to educate all parties as to the impact of the incident, and to arrive at a solution that is best for all involved.
5.	If, in the process of the investigation, the incident is deemed to be part of a repeated pattern of discriminatory behaviour against the same person/people, the school will deem this to be bullying and the procedure in Section 10 of the Branksome Hall Code of Conduct will apply.

Consequences For Discriminatory Behaviour

Depending on the nature of the incident, additional consequences may be warranted. Consequences are at the discretion of both the Director, Boarding and the Assistant Head, Senior and Middle School, Operations in consultation with the Deputy Principal and Principal and may include:

1.	Meeting with Deputy Principal
2.	Restorative measures
3.	Loss of privilege
4.	Suspension

If an incident is reported that involves an adult in the community, the school will refer to the policies and approaches defined in the Employee Handbook to resolve the incident.

Branksome Hall supports complaints that are made in good faith. If it is determined as a result of an investigation that a complaint against another party (adult or student) was made maliciously with intent to harm or made in bad faith, formal disciplinary action will be taken against the complainant.