18: Learning and Working in a Welcoming, Caring, Respectful and Safe Environment
Policy
The Board endorses learning and working environments that are welcoming, caring, respectful, and safe, that respect diversity and foster a sense of belonging.
In modeling the Division’s Values and Beliefs, trustees, staff, students, parents, volunteers, visitors, contractors, and all who are involved with the Division, are expected to demonstrate acceptance and promote a sense of belonging. In full adherence to the Alberta Human Rights Act, all persons are equal in: dignity, rights and responsibilities without regard to race, religious beliefs, colour, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability, mental disability, age, ancestry, place of origin, marital status, source of income, family or sexual orientation.
All who have interactions with and within the Division share in the responsibility for eliminating bullying, discrimination, harassment, and violence. The Board expects allegations of such behaviours to be investigated in a timely and respectful manner and when warranted, acted upon accordingly.
Guidelines:
1. The Board acknowledges its responsibility to ensure welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environments for all students and staff; specifically,
1.1. The Board recognizes the importance of the emotional, social, intellectual and physical wellness for all staff and students, as essential to each individual’s success in life, in school, or at work, and therefore expects all persons, including staff, students, parents, volunteers, visitors and/or contractors, to adhere to this Policy, and any established Codes of Conduct, regardless of location, activity, or function.
2. The Board, and therefore all schools, shall act in accordance with the Tri-Municipal Community Violence Threat Risk Assessment and Intervention Protocol.
3. The Board urges individuals to report, to a responsible person or authority, all incidents of threats, bullying, harassment, violence or intimidation regardless of the identity of the alleged harasser or offender.
4. The Board supports the establishment of student organizations and student-led activities that promote a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environment that respects diversity and fosters a sense of belonging.
4.1. Such organizations and activities promote equality and non-discrimination with respect to, without limitation, race, religious belief, colour, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability, mental disability, family status or sexual orientation, including, but not limited to organizations such as, gay-straight alliances, diversity clubs, anti-racism clubs and anti-bullying clubs (Education Act, s.35.1(1)(2)).
5. The Board requires the Superintendent to maintain effective procedures, outlining conduct expectations for all students, staff, parents and school community, as well as for the resolution of conflicts, and the provision of consequences or discipline, as deemed necessary and appropriate in each specific situation.
6. For clarity, this policy does not preclude trustees, staff, students, parents, volunteers, visitors, contractors, and all who are involved with the Division, from exercising their applicable rights under the Alberta Human Rights Act; the Occupational Health and Safety Act, or any other legislation.
Approved:
