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AP 202 Multicultural Recognition

Administrative Procedure 202: Multicultural Recognition

Background
The District recognizes, respects and honours the multicultural diversity of the Vancouver community. Vancouver’s multicultural diversity enriches the lives of school communities and learners. The District is committed to promoting respect, understanding, and the celebration of multicultural diversity. The District supports multicultural experiences and learning activities for students which contribute to an understanding and appreciation of Canada's multicultural diversity.

Please refer to Administrative Procedure 170 regarding Non‑discrimination.

Definition
Multiculturalism is defined as including ethnic, racial, religious, spiritual and cultural diversity.

Procedures

1. The Superintendent will:

1.1 Support expanded use of learning resources that reflect the diversity of heritage, custom and culture in British Columbia and Canada, and contribute to students developing positive attitudes with respect to multiculturalism, diversity and human rights.

1.2 Promote opportunities for awareness and training in human relations, human rights and diversity as a means of furthering knowledge and sensitivity in relating with a diverse and changing community.

2. The Principal will:

2.1 Convey recognition of that school community’s multicultural nature and rich heritage through respectful practices that foster a sense of belonging and being welcomed.

2.2 Promote and encourage opportunities that assist students in developing a strong sense of self‑esteem and pride in their own heritage as well as an appreciation of and respect for the backgrounds of others in the school.

2.3 Foster aspects of the curriculum which celebrate the uniqueness of our cultures, teach social responsibility and encourage positive choices that enhance physical, mental and spiritual well‑being.

2.4 Acknowledge cultural events, festivals and celebrations in a respectful manner that promotes understanding of diversity.

2.5 Encourage communication with parents and the school community to foster appreciation and understanding of our multicultural heritage.

2.6 Ensure school staff, parents and students (where age appropriate), through a collaborative process, develop a written accommodation plan when the need for such a plan has been identified by the parent or student (where age appropriate).

2.6.1 Appropriate staff will be made aware of all accommodation plans so developed.

Reference

Section 17, 20, 22, 65, 85 School Act
Human Rights Code
Multiculturalism Act
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Constitution Act, 1982

Adopted: October 7, 1996
Revised: February 1997; September 24, 2018; February 6, 2019

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