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OHRC statement on Code obligations of education officials

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February 16, 2023

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The OHRC is aware and concerned about the increasing violence targeted at education officials for doing human rights work, adhering to the obligations set under the Ontario Human Rights Code (Code) and implementing government policy.  

The OHRC’s revitalized strategic plan, Human Rights First: A plan for belonging in Ontario, commits to improving the accountability of duty-holders in the education sector and building public awareness of and capacity to respond to manifestations of hate. The OHRC is firmly committed to improving public understanding of human rights to foster a human rights culture in the province of Ontario. 

The OHRC is aware that many duty-holders across the public school system have made efforts toward advancing and maintaining the human rights of everyone by using resources which address discrimination, including anti-Black racism, homophobia, and hate. However, it continues to hear about the increasing violence targeted at education officials for doing human rights work. 

Duty-holders, such as the Ministry of Education and school boards, have a legal duty to ensure that education is provided in manner consistent with the Code. Also, the Code requires that people engaged in this work be able to do so without being subjected to discrimination and harassment and without fear for their safety and security.