Human Rights and Equity System Advisor: Ros Salvador
Ros Salvador has joined the GECDSB in the newly created role of Human Rights and Equity System Advisor.
An experienced human rights lawyer, Ros will help develop and champion equity-minded policies within the board.
"My goal is to do everything I can to support the strengthening of human rights and equity values and practices at the GECDSB," they said. "I want to support the movement to environments that are truly inclusive and supportive of all students and staff.
Ros will work with the GECDSB senior leadership team specifically to identify systemic anti-Indigenous racism, anti-Black racism, Islamophobia, anti-Asian racism, homophobia, transphobia, antisemitism, ableism and all forms of inequities.
"Having worked in the field of human rights law, and then having a Black, school-aged child and seeing the education system through that lens has been profoundly impactful for me in terms of the urgency, and emergency, of this journey."
Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusive education
The Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) embraces the rich diversity of its students, staff, and communities and commits itself to equitable access, treatment, and outcomes for all.
The GECDSB affirms and upholds the principles of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Constitution Act, 1982 and confirmed in the Ontario Human Rights Code (2012) and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action (2015). The Board is committed to identifying and removing discriminatory biases and systemic barriers and celebrating diversity and respect for all as outlined in Ontario’s Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy and the Ontario Ministry of Education Policy/Program Memorandum No. 119, “Developing and Implementing Equity and Inclusive Education Policies in Ontario Schools (2009)”.
The GECDSB is committed to the democratic values of fairness, equity, inclusion, and respect for all being reflected in all of its policies, programs, and practices. The GECDSB understands that greater equity means greater student success.
Ontario Human Rights Code
The Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC) prohibits discrimination based on:
- Age
- Ancestry
- Citizenship
- Colour
- Creed
- Disability
- Ethnic origin
- Family status
- Gender expression
- Gender identity
- Indigenous status
- Intersecting
- Marital status
- Place or origin
- Race
- Receipt of public assistance
- Record of offences
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
In 2014 the OHRC released a new policy on preventing discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression. Discrimination and harassment based on gender identity and gender expression is against the law. Everyone should have the same opportunities and benefits and be treated with equal dignity and respect, including transgender, transsexual and intersex people, cross-dressers and other people whose gender identity or expression is, or seen to be, different from their birth sex.
Diversity
The presence of a wide range of human qualities and attributes within a group, organization, or society. The dimensions of diversity include, but are not limited to, ancestry, culture, ethnicity gender, gender identity, language, physical and intellectual ability, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation and socio-economic status.
Equity
A condition or state of fair, inclusive, and respectful treatment of all people. Equity does not mean treating people the same without regard for individual differences.
Inclusive Education
Education that is based on the principles of acceptance and inclusion of all students. Student see themselves reflected in their curriculum, their physical surroundings, and the broader environment, in which diversity is honoured and all individuals are respected.
Provincial policies
Our policies on inclusive education follow the provincial policies as set out by Ontario's Ministry of Education. Learn more about: