Policy GBA Employment Practices: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

    The path to bring this policy forward started in March 2022 with a review of national and international Equity Policies and an invitation to join a Working Group for the Development of an Employment Equity Policy in the Learning Circle. 

     

    The Working Group, consisting of students, community members and staff from all employee groups, met four times in 2022. Union partners were invited to join and received updates throughout the process.  

    The Process for the Working Group included: 

    • Incorporating a hybrid meeting structure established to promote inclusion.
    • Establishing working ‘norms’.
    • Presenting how policy is created in LRSD.
    • Reviewing Employment Equity policies in other educational organizations.
    • Creating a shared understanding of ‘employment’ and ‘equity.’ 
    • Brainstorming practices to be included in the policy.
    • Drafting each section of the policy in smaller working groups.
    • Drafting Administrative Guidelines.

    Staff members at individual schools and worksites were invited to review the policy and provide feedback at the February 2023 staff meeting; a request for community feedback on the policy went out via the Parent Post on March 24, 2023. On April 6, 2023, the Working Committee reviewed and revised the policy to reflect the feedback received. 

    “It was a real pleasure to participate in helping a divisional aspiration become a reality. While the policy is only the beginning, it is an important step forward to supporting our schools to become places that better represent the diversity of those we serve.” – Amy Warriner, Principal, Ecole Varennes. 

    The policy and protocols received first reading at the Board of Trustees meeting on June 21, 2023, and was shared with all community in the Parent Post in June 2022. On March 14, 2023, the updated policy was shared with union partners and feedback invited. 

    “This policy aims to ensure qualified people from equity seeking groups are welcomed to work in LRSD. In the development of this policy, we recognize that community consultation and policy accountability are essential. By having diversity across the various employment groups, we believe this policy will have a direct positive impact on our learners and families.” – Cyril Indome, Vice-Principal, Dakota Collegiate. 

    Policy GBA and Administrative Protocols received a second reading at the Board Meeting on May 16, 2023; September 2023 saw a review of the implementation of Administrative Protocols. 

    After nearly two years of development, Policy GBA - Employment Practices: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion including Policy GBA Administrative Protocol received a third reading and was adopted October 17, 2023.