Diversity in BC Schools: A Framework - Racial Equity Tools

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Diversity in BC Schools: A FrameworkContent and OrganizationDiversity in BC Schools: A Framework includes four sections:Section One: Diversity in BC Schools presents key diversityconcepts – multiculturalism, human rights, employment equityand social justice. The goals of each of these concepts areoutlined and relevant guiding legislation is highlighted.Section Two: Provincial Policies, Strategies and Initiativesdescribes provincial policies, strategies and initiatives that havebeen introduced in the school system that address diversity.Section Three: Implications for School Boards and Schoolscontains questions to facilitate discussion and prompt actionsthat will lead to continually improving policies, procedures andpractices to support diversity.Section Four: Guiding Legislation provides easy access toexcerpts from legislation that are relevant to concepts presentedin Diversity in BC Schools: A Framework.6 BC Ministry of Education
Diversity in BC SchoolsSection One:Diversity in BC SchoolsHonouring DiversityFramework for DiversityMulticulturalism BCAugust 2000Adapted with permissionDiversity is an overarching concept that relies on a philosophy ofequitable participation and an appreciation of the contributions ofall. It is a concept that refers both to our uniqueness as individualsand to our sense of belonging or identification within a group orgroups.Diversity refers to the ways in which we differ from each other.Some of these differences may be visible (e.g., race, ethnicity,gender, age, ability), while others are less visible (e.g., culture,ancestry, language, religious beliefs, sexual orientation,socioeconomic background).Honouring diversity is based on the principle that if these differencesare acknowledged and utilized in a positive way, it is of benefit tothe quality of our learning and working environments.Goals or purposes for Diversity include:Embracing diversity is animportant aspect of livingand learning.• taking into account the different beliefs, customs, practices,languages, behaviours and physical differences of individualsand cultural groups• encouraging understanding, acceptance, mutual respect andinclusion, in order to make school communities and society asa whole more equitable for all peopleDiversity is initially aboutrecognizing, and ultimatelyabout valuing, difference asa resource and a reality ofeveryday life.While there is no legislation that refers specifically to diversity,there are moral and legal, human resource, and financial reasons forhonouring diversity and promoting human rights.Ethical and legal principles are based within legislation as follows:• The diversity of people is acknowledged and valued (CanadianCharter of Rights and Freedoms, 1982; and the BC MulticulturalismAct, 1993).• The dignity of people, as well as protection from harm, isintended to be preserved (Canadian Charter of Rights andFreedoms; BC Human Rights Code, 1997).• Fair and equitable treatment should be secured for all people(BC Human Rights Code, 1997; Employment Equity Act, 1996).BC Ministry of Education 7
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