East and West Learning Connections Anti-Discrimination Policy
TARGET AUDIENCE: All
Adopted 17 May 2021
1.0 Rationale
The East and West Learning Connections Organization (hereinafter, ‘the Organization’), supports and promotes equity, diversity and inclusion at every level within the organization – including among our Board of Directors and volunteers. The Organization is committed to adhering to the Ontario Human Rights Code.
2.0 Purpose
The Organization affirms its strong commitment to principles of equity, diversity and inclusion and will neither discriminate in any of its practices nor tolerate discrimination by any of its members, Directors, or volunteers. This policy applies to all activities of the Organization, including but not limited to all Organization events and activities including online activities, purchasing, strategic partnerships, selecting vendors or consultants, and all other uses of Organization funds.
3.0 Policy
3.1 Protected Grounds
The Organization prohibits actions that discriminate contrary to the Human Rights Code on any of the following grounds:
- age; ancestry; colour; race; citizenship; ethnic origin; place of origin; creed; disability; family status; marital status; gender identity; gender expression; sex (including pregnancy and breastfeeding); sexual orientation; receipt of public assistance; record of offences.
3.2 Scope and Compliance
The Organization will not contract with, nor form partnerships with, organizations that engage in discrimination against persons contrary to the Human Rights Code, including in staffing, participant eligibility or program content.
All Organization members, Directors, and volunteers are required to confirm that they have read, understood, and will comply with this policy.
3.3 Penalties
Discrimination will not be tolerated, condoned, or ignored by the Organization. Any breach of this policy will be considered a serious matter and dealt with immediately.
All allegations of discrimination shall be brought to the attention of the Organization President, or, if the allegations of discrimination pertain to the Organization President, to the Organization Vice-president. Once notified, an investigation will be conducted under the auspices of the Organization President, or the Board of Directors, based on the circumstances.
If a claim of discrimination is proven, disciplinary measures will be applied.
For Organization members, disciplinary measures may include the suspension or revoking of Organization membership, and eligibility for future membership.
For Directors, disciplinary measures may include suspension or removal from the Board and being barred from future eligibility to serve on the Board, the suspension or revoking of Organization membership and eligibility for future membership.
For volunteers, disciplinary measures may include the suspension or termination of volunteer status and eligibility to volunteer.
4.0 Definitions
Discrimination: Unfair or prejudicial treatment of individuals or groups on the basis of grounds listed in section 3.1. Discrimination, whether intentional or unintentional, has the effect of preventing or limiting access to opportunities, benefits, or advantages that are available to other members of society. It is not a discriminatory practice to adopt or carry out a special program designed to relieve hardship or economic disadvantage, or to assist disadvantaged persons or groups to achieve or attempt to achieve equal opportunity, or that is likely to contribute to the elimination of the infringement of rights under the Human Rights Code.
Equity: The recognition of the dignity and worth of every person and the provision of equal rights and opportunities without discrimination that is contrary to law. Equity does not mean treating people the same without regard for individual differences.
Diversity: The presence of a wide range of human qualities and attributes within a group, organization, or society. Dimensions of diversity include but are not limited to age, ancestry, colour, culture, ethnic origin, gender expression, gender identity, language, physical and intellectual ability, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status.
Inclusion: The creation of a climate of understanding and mutual respect for the dignity and worth of each person so that each person feels a part of the community and able to contribute fully to the development and well-being of the community.
**End of Anti-Discrimination Policy**