Sean Leslie
Communications Manager
Ministry of Education
Province of British Columbia
February 26, 2019
The Human Rights Code provides an exemption in specific circumstances to faith-based
not-for-profit schools that allows them to have these types of codes.
Both the Supreme Court of Canada and the BC Human Rights Tribunal have determined that
religious organizations, such as faith-based schools, have the right to take these types of
actions under section 41 of the Human Rights Code.
We believe in safe and welcoming schools where students are free from any type of
discrimination.
Independent schools are required to have Bullying and Harassment Prevention Policies which
address all forms of bullying and harassment inclusive of sexual orientation and gender identify.
This requirement was put in place to help ensure a respecting, accepting, and safe environment
for all students, in line with the BC Human Rights Code.