Affirming Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Through Our Faith
The fundamental teachings of the Gospel maintain that we are created in God’s image and that all people deserve the same respect given their equal dignity as human beings. Accordingly, Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board affirms its commitment to develop attitudes and values founded on Catholic Social Teachings and acts to promote social responsibility, human solidarity and the common good. As a publicly funded school board, PVNC Catholic has a duty to uphold the Human Rights Code up to and including ensuring:
- Every person has a right to equal treatment with respect to services without discrimination on the basis of the protected grounds,
- No person shall infringe or do, directly or indirectly, anything that infringes a person coded protected right,
- The removal of a requirement, qualification or factor that is not discrimination on a prohibited ground but that results in the exclusion, restriction or preference of a group of persons who are identified by a prohibited ground of discrimination and of whom the person is a member.
Foundational Principles of Equity Action Plan
- Accountability for and commitment to the implementation of this strategy must be visible throughout PVNC Catholic and clearly articulated and demonstrated by senior leaders.
- In order to change outcomes for equity seeking students, the ideology of exclusion needs to change, not simply the behaviours of individuals.
- The Board will act with courage and apply culturally responsive practices for the accompaniment of all.
- Understanding that not all initiatives in the Plan may have the desired impact, PVNC Catholic will adopt a learning mindset when implementing this strategy.
- Success be measured not by the completion of actions but by the change made to the well-being and academic achievement of equity seeking students and the representation and wellbeing of equity seeking staff.
Click the cog on image above to view each section or one of the links below:
Priority area 1: Building Awareness 2024-2025
Priority area 2: Changing Practice 2025-2026
Priority area 3: Expanding Capacity 2026-2028
Key Areas of Focus for the Equity Action Plan
Leadership and Human Resource Initiatives
Effective and responsive leadership embraces equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) as foundational principles that cultivate cultures where everyone feels valued and respected, and identities are affirmed. At PVNC Catholic, equity in leadership is essential to ensure trust and confidence in our systems is not eroded. It calls for proactive removal of systemic barriers, addressing biases and prejudices related to representation, and reviewing existing structures, policies, programs and practices, at all levels, that may unintentionally disadvantage identifiable groups
School and Classroom Practices
The Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations (OCSGE) provide a distinctive framework to education. At its core, the OCSGE establishes a relationship between learning and believing, that is, as a Catholic school board we ensure learning environments focus not only on knowledge and skills, but also on values and actions to develop students to be reflective and who demonstrate cooperative and democratic behaviour – responsible citizens. Furthermore, as stewards of Catholic education, we believe in the sacredness of human life. Recognizing that systemic racism is unjust and impacts the daily lives of students and families of Indigenous, Black and other historically marginalized groups, we continue to redress these system biases and inequities. PVNC Catholic continues to strengthen its culture of collaboration, trust and respect to demonstrate our commitment to celebrating diversity, dignity, success, and worth of all individuals, and our recognition of all voices.
Organization and Accountability Structure
At PVNC Catholic, inclusive and responsive systems of accountability have a vital part to play in ensuring that long-term strategies engage leaders and staff. This ensures learning and working climate, culture and curriculum that honour diversity, inclusion and protects the life and dignity of the human person, regardless of age, ancestry, colour, race, citizenship, ethnic origin, place of origin, creed, disability, family status, marital status, gender identity, gender expression, receipt of public assistance, record of offences, sex and sexual orientation.
Equity Plan Action Full Report
Message from the Director of Education and Chair of PVNC Catholic
PVNC Catholic Human Rights Reporting Form
Resources
United Nation Resources
- Universal Declaration of Human Rights
- Convention on the Rights of the Child
- UN Declaration: Rights of Indigenous Peoples
- UN Declaration: Human rights of People of African Descent
Canadian Resources
- Canadian Human Rights Commission
- Canadian Human Rights Act
- Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
- Truth and Reconciliation
Ontario Resources
PVNC Catholic Resources
