Human Resources Legislative Update
Ontario Introduces Anti-Bullying Legislation
Date: December 1, 2011
On November 30, 2011, the Ontario government tabled Bill 13, the Accepting Schools Act, 2011, legislation intended to address the issue of bullying in schools. This Bill, if passed, would amend the Education Act to include, among other things:
- a definition of bullying;
- a requirement that school boards implement policies promoting positive school environments that are inclusive and accepting of all pupils, and promoting the prevention of bullying;
- the designation of the third week in November as “Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week”;
- the prevention of bullying in schools in the provincial code of conduct;
- a requirement that agreements between school boards and other persons or entities regarding the use of a school operated by the board adhere to standards consistent with the provincial code of conduct; and
- a provision to support pupils who want to establish or lead activities that promote gender equity, anti-racism, the awareness and understanding of, and respect for, people with disabilities and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
