Human Rights, Equity Diversity and Inclusion, Advisory Committee (HEDIAC) – Office of Human Rights, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

“Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more; but they shall all sit under their own vines and under their own fig trees, and no one shall make them afraid; for the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken.” Micah 4:4

Equity at YCDSB is a core value that calls us to recognize that all those we serve in our community are created in the image of God.

Each person brings a gift to our schools, our Board and the broader community. By acknowledging this, we invite a common sense of purpose and belonging that links us in our humanity and faith. We honour the diversity and complexity that underlie the essential personhood of each human being.

Terms of Reference

An umbrella committee that will innovatively and proactively support, build on and enhance previous and existing initiatives to meet individual needs, identify and eliminate barriers, promote a sense of belonging, and engage our community.
To provide an equitable and inclusive platform in support of the educational and work environment, to support student achievement and well- being.
In receiving updates from the various ”pillar” committees, to provide informed advice and guidance to the Board and trustees in developing accountable practices, supporting a safe, caring and inclusive environment for students, staff and community.

Mandate

Responsibilities of the Committee

To provide input in determining priorities and strategies for systemic implementation;
To provide feedback to the YCDSB on issues related to equity, inclusion and diversity from broad community perspectives and trends affecting the community;
To participate in advising the YCDSB with respect to the development of more inclusive, representative and developmentally appropriate curriculum and programming reflective of diverse groups;
To assist in determining strategies to engage students, parents and members of the community to more adequately reflect the diversity within schools;
To provide leadership on matters related to inclusivity, equity and the elimination of all types of discrimination;
To advise on the development, maintenance and refinement of policies, practices and processes that facilitate inclusive and supportive learning and work environment and diverse workforce;
To make recommendations on the Board’s progress in achieving equity of access to learning opportunities for all students;
To champion opportunities to create greater awareness of barriers and types of discrimination occurring in our schools;To act as a liaison on behalf of the Board to address issues of community interest and concern related to diversity, equity and inclusion;
To act as a source of information on community resources available to assist those who have enquiries related to matters of discrimination including acts of prejudice, racism and hate;
To foster greater understanding and awareness of equity-related matters among students, staff and the community; and,
To promote successes within school communities that support closing equity and opportunity gaps.

The Nine Pillars

The Human Rights, Equity Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee (HEDIAC) is comprised of nine pillars, each of which has a steering committee to advance equity, diversity and inclusion throughout the organization.

Each “pillar”/steering committee includes members from diverse social identities from the stakeholder groups listed below. The composition of this Steering committee also includes (where necessary) an individual(s) (outside of those suggested below) with expertise and experience that will enhance/support the work of each pillar. The composition of these committees will include:

Senior Administrators
School Administrators
Teaching Staff
Support Staff
Students
YCDSB Parent representatives (As necessary or appropriate)

HEDIAC Members

Chair: Nalini Jugnundan

Ex-Officio: Mary Battista

Pillar	Lead / Supporting Superintendent
2SLGBTQ+	Nick Galatianos / Jennifer Sarna
Accessibility/Accommodation	Teresa Liggett / Michael Gray
Anti-Black Racism (ABR)	Siobhan Wright / Opiyo Oloya
Cultural/Racial Identity	Joel Chiusti / Anthony Arcadi
Culturally Responsive and Relevant Pedagogy	Daniel La Gamba / Mary Battista
Indigenous Education	Shannon Ulgiati / Laura Sawicky
Mental Health	Michelle Prinzo / Marianne Fedrigoni
Religion	Michael Way-Skinner & Kelly Pickard-Lefterys / Eugene Pivato
Special Education	Diane Lood / Diana Candido

Ex-Officio

Trustee Representation

Maria Marchese – Chair of the Board

Communications

Mariann Gordon

Council of Presidents

OECTA: Michael Totten
CUPE 1571: Michael Saliba
CUPE 2331: Mary Di Federico
OSSTF: Sherry-Ann Bowen-Gordon
Elementary PVP: Brent Matthews
Secondary PVP: Iolanda Faraone

Finance

Anthony Yeung

Information Technology

Darlene Clapham

International Students

Iolanda Faraone

Policy

Nancy Di Nardo

Student Success

Lou Paonessa

Training

Marc Mercanti