Bill 16 is a bit of a longer Bill, but that’s mostly just from the number of Acts that it modifies to do its job. Bill 16 sets out to reduce racism in the education system at all levels by requiring establishments and boards to set out an anti-racism plan that involves things such as anti-racism training for staff, board, and council members as well as the reporting of instances of racist language or activities. The plan is to be reviewed every three years.
One of the more specific new measures in this Bill is a fine of up to $200 for anyone who disrupts a school proceeding or class through racist language or activities.
The Minister of Education would need to establish policies and guidelines promoting racial equity that include policies on:
- Training for staff
- Resources to support students and staff targeted by racism
- Strategies to support students and staff who witness incidents of racism
- Resources to support students and staff who engage in racist behaviour
- Procedures for students, staff, and parents/guardians to report incidents of racism
- The use of disciplinary measures in response to racism
- Procedures for responding appropriately and in a timely manner to racism
- Matters to be addressed in prevention of racist behaviours and intervention plans.
The Bill also amends the Anti-Racism Act to include “anti-Asian racism” anywhere it calls out types of racism.
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