Canadian courts have repeatedly said that human dignity is an important part of your right to equality under section 15 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The Supreme Court explained that “[h]uman dignity is harmed when individuals and groups are marginalized, ignored, or devalued, and is enhanced when laws recognize the full place of all individuals and groups within Canadian society.”
Some provincial laws have specifically recognized the importance of promoting dignity for students in schools. For example, the Northwest Territories’ Education Act says that every teacher should respect the students under their instruction and teach in a way that encourages the development of students’ self-esteem and dignity.
In addition, where laws and policies require schools to create safe, accepting and inclusive learning environments, this is a recognition of students’ right to dignity.
