In Canada, students have important rights, like the right to be free from discrimination, the right to express yourself, to be respected for who you are, and the right to feel safe and included at school. These rights are guaranteed by law, and schools have a responsibility to respect and protect them.
But rights are not always absolute. Sometimes different rights can come into conflict—for example, one person’s right to free expression may bump up against another person’s right to dignity and safety. In those situations, the law tries to find a fair balance. This means that while your rights are strong, there may be limits on how they apply in certain circumstances.
This Guide is here to help you understand what your rights are, how they show up in schools, and what you can do if you feel those rights are being challenged.
