Equity and Anti-Oppression (EAO)
The Vancouver School District values all students/staff and work to ensure that learning and working experiences are respectful, equitable and inclusive regardless of one’s colour of skin, religion, history, heritage, language, sexual orientation and/or gender identity and gender expressions.
The Equity and Anti-Oppression team work alongside schools and District departments to bring equity, anti-racism and SOGI-inclusive services to the workplace.
The work is guided and informed by Vancouver School Board's commitment to equity:
The Vancouver School Board – a large, urban school district located on the unceded, traditional lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations – respects and supports Indigenous ways of knowing and learning. The VSB will create an equitable learning environment where every child can experience a deep sense of belonging and is free to pursue pathways of learning in ways that are authentic to themselves. The VSB will achieve this by:
- having students see themselves and their communities in the curriculum and in the staff throughout the District;
- prioritizing student needs by making informed decisions and engaging in open communication with rightsholders and stakeholders; and
- actively fighting systems of oppression through relationship building, ongoing communication and transparency.
The Equity and Anti-Oppression Team Values:
- Student-centred practice: Decisions are based on what is best for students;
- Embedding anti-oppression work in all parts of a school and workday: It is not a separate lesson or theme;
- Inquiry-based learning: The team strives to replace judgement with curiosity to deeply understand the complexities of anti-oppressive structures and their impact on relationships and learning;
- Belonging as a core principle: The team works to create accountable spaces where everyone takes space and makes space so all can see themselves in the journey to become anti-racist and non-discriminatory;
- Anti-oppression work is action oriented: We learn through the process of doing and mistakes and are met with continued support to try again and do better.
Click Below for Additional Information
Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI):
- Policy 17; Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Gender Expression
- Administrative Procedure 174; Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Gender Expression
- SOGI-Inclusive Education FAQ; A Guide for Families
- Tips for Holding Space for Difficult Conversations at Home; A Guide for Families
- Understanding SOGI-Inclusive Education; A Guide for Families
- Understanding SOGI-Inclusive Resources; A Guide for Families
Anti-Racisim and Non-Discrimination:
- Policy 21; Anti-Racism and Non-Discrimination
- Administrative Procedure 170; Anti-Racism and Non-Discrimination
- Administrative Procedure 170A: Anti-Racism and Non-Discrimination Response Plan for Administrators
- Administrative Procedure 171; Racial Enthno-Cultural and/or Religious Harassment
- Administrative Procedure 172; District Respectful Workplace
- Administrative Procedure 175; Protection of Employees from Violence in the Workplace
For additional support, please visit Safe and Caring Schools