- Interrupt the harmful language
- Communicate in a way that allows all who heard the comment to also hear your response
- Be explicit as you label the language and spotlight the words (e.g., "That comment is racist")
Discriminatory & Harmful Language Protocol
| The HDSB Discriminatory & Harmful Language Protocol provides clear expectations for how staff respond when harm is caused. Should incidents of discrimination or hate occur in our schools, HDSB staff are committed to responding quickly using the Discriminatory and Harmful Language Protocol. This protocol responds to discriminatory language used against people based on the protected grounds in the Ontario Human Rights Code. This protocol will be followed by students and staff to promote a school environment free from discriminatory language. |
- Describe why the language is harmful and/or prohibited. For example: "I don’t think you fully understand the history behind that word. That comment is extremely painful and damaging to members of the Black community and is not consistent with the values we hold as a community. In our school, this language is not acceptable."
- Indicate your expectation for a change in the future, that the incident will be reported, and that as a result of this conversation, you know they won’t use that language again.
- Ensure the immediate safety of the individual who experienced discrimination and ask how you can support their well-being
- Communicate the value and importance of the individual to the overall school community and the measures that will be taken to address the incident
- Document the incident
- Speak to your teachers, administrator, or supervisor as soon as possible to share the details of the incident
- Follow up from teachers, administrator, or supervisor to all parties immediately impacted by this event
STEP 5 - Ensure Accountability
- All HDSB staff have an obligation to stop, identify, explain, support, report, and be accountable for every instance of discrimination
- All HDSB staff are expected to take proactive measures to intentionally create inclusive learning spaces for every student
- All HDSB staff will participate in ongoing professional learning to build capacity and critical consciousness when addressing discriminatory and harmful language
Halton District School Board