The Fraser-Cascade School District 78 (SD78) says it "continues to prioritizes its students by approving its new policy on diversity, equity, and inclusion."
Trustees for the district, which includes Hope, Agassiz, Harrison Hot Springs and Boston Bar, unanimously agreed to adopt policy 2.20 - Committment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion during their school board meeting on Feb. 18.
"Our commitment towards a unified policy is reflective of our school district’s commitment towards an all embracing policy in the year 2025," said Balan Moorthy in an email to the Hope Standard. "The previous policies approached the concepts separately and were seen as more reactive than pro-active when viewed by our anti-discrimination district committee. The new policy is more aligned with Fraser Cascade School District’s commitment towards Equity, Diversity and Inclusion."
The policy replaces the school district's previous policies around multiculturalism and discrimination. Under the new policy, the district says it will be ensuring the protection and rights of students, staff, visitors, and other people within the district regardless of their "ancestry, country of origin, ethnicity, cultural background, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, physical and intellectual ability, or any other personal characteristics in all aspects of school life."
"Under Canadian Laws, all individuals have the right to their fundamental freedoms and protection from discrimination and racism," the new policy reads. "It is important to embrace positive change as a community, sharing the responsibility for creating a welcoming and inclusive environment that honours and respects everyone."
This includes the district dealing with complaints seriously regarding racism, sexual discrimination, ableism, homophobia, transphobia and more. It also includes ensuring that the district code of conduct properly aligns with this new policy.
"The Board of Education of the Fraser-Cascade School District is committed to the equitable treatment of all students, employees, rightsholders, and school district stakeholders," the school district said in its report. "The board will ensure that (everyone is) provided with a safe and respectful environment to work, learn, and prosper."
The policy will be reviewed and updated continuously throughout the years.
More information about the policy, as well as the ones it replaced, can be read at sd78.bc.ca/board/board-meetings/, under the Feb. 18, 205 agenda package.
