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Inclusion Across the Rainbow Fact Sheet

February 8, 2021

Human Rights/Anti-Homophobia Initiatives

Human rights and equality are important issues at all Winnipeg School Division (WSD) schools, and WSD takes intolerance and discrimination seriously. WSD is committed to providing a safe and inclusive working and learning environment for all staff and students that is that is free of homophobic harassment or discrimination or any negative behaviours which are based on real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. There are initiatives at the divisional level and within many individual schools that address these issues.

Current environment

  • The Board approved the Safe and Caring – Trans and Gender Diverse Students and Staff policy in 2016
  • The Board updated the Diversity and Equity Education policy in 2015
  • The Board updated the Harassment Prevention policy in 2012
  • Thousands of employees have received training on their obligations and WSD expectations to combat intolerance and discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation.
  • As new employees are hired, they must attend a half-day human rights/anti-homophobia workshop. This workshop provides an opportunity to learn skills and strategies to address homophobia and to support a safe and inclusive environments for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, two-spirit and questioning students (LGBTTQ).
  • Resources to support these initiatives are previewed and purchased regularly and are available for staff from WSD Library Support Services.
  • A number of WSD schools have Gay-Straight Alliance or Diversity clubs, which are student-led organizations devoted to creating safe, accepting, welcoming environments for all students regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.
  • Many schools incorporate the study of human rights, diversity and social justice issues in the classroom and in projects.
  • WSD partnered with two other school divisions to host OUTShine 2015: Canada's 2nd National Gay - Straight Alliance (GSA) Conference in May 2015 held in Winnipeg.
  • A WSD anti-homophobia initiatives committee was established in 2013 to support ongoing anti- homophobia initiatives and to serve as an advisory committee to support student participation in national and local LGBTTQ events. The committee is called Inclusion Across the Rainbow.

Feedback from staff

Staff respond positively to the WSD mandatory human rights / anti-homophobia workshops. Here are some of the comments staff have made after attending a workshop.

  • "I learned how to deal effectively and confidently with homophobic harassment/comments in my classroom. I will use these strategies as 'teachable moments'."
  • "A valuable presentation that will change what happens in schools over time."
  • "Reinforces the responsibility and accountability employees have within the school environment."
  • "Thank you for the powerful messages – they really made me think."
  • "I feel very proud to work for such a progressive, respectful school division."

History

  • The Board of Trustees of Winnipeg School Division passed a motion in May of 1999 to "develop a series of workshops for all WSD staff to ensure board expectations regarding enforcement of existing anti-racist, anti-harassment policies are known and to ensure strategies are in place to address these matters with the workshops to begin early in the 1999-2000 school year."
  • As a result, in the fall of 1999, all school administrators, senior administrative staff and school trustees participated in mandatory workshops on obligations and liabilities under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Manitoba Human Rights Legislation and WSD policies.
  • WSD reviewed all of its policies and procedures on human rights issues, including harassment, racism, sexism and homophobia, to help ensure a safe learning environment for all students and staff.
  • All permanent and many term staff attended mandatory half-day human rights/anti-homophobia workshops.

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