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OHRC intervenes in education curriculum case at the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario

Code Grounds
gender expression
gender identity
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October 9, 2018

 

Toronto – Today, the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) filed a notice of intervention with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) in the case of AB v Ministry of Education, involving recent changes to Ontario’s education curriculum. The OHRC will argue that the interim curriculum discriminates based on sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.

The OHRC is intervening to protect the rights of girls and LGBTQ+ students, who are among Ontario’s most vulnerable and at-risk people. Studies confirm that LGBTQ+ students often feel unsafe at school, that trans youth report high levels of self-harm, and that the vast majority of sexual assault survivors are girls.

The OHRC is concerned that the interim curriculum is discriminatory because it fails to reflect and adequately address the needs of LGBTQ + students and their families, and eliminates key information about consent, which places students at greater risk of sexual violence.

“All students should see themselves and their families reflected in Ontario’s curriculum,” said OHRC Chief Commissioner Renu Mandhane.

“The children most affected by the changes to the education curriculum are the same children who are at the highest risk of exclusion, harassment and violence. This is not the safe, welcoming education experience envisioned in the Human Rights Code. We stand with students across Ontario who are using their voice to make sure all students’ human rights are respected.”

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Media contact:
Vanessa Tamburro
Issues and Media Relations Officer
Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC)
416 314 4528 | vanessa.tamburro@ohrc.on.ca