I. Purpose and Commitment: Our organization is committed to developing and providing K-12 educational video content that actively promotes an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming learning environment for all students in Ontario. This policy outlines fundamental procedures to ensure that all video materials are rigorously unbiased, free from discrimination, and align with the principles enshrined in the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Ministry of Education's Equity and Inclusive Education (EIE) Strategy. We strive to create content where every student sees themselves reflected and valued.
II. Core Principles (Aligned with Ontario Human Rights and EIE): All educational video content shall uphold the following core principles:
- Respect for Diversity: Acknowledge and value the rich diversity of students, families, and communities in Ontario, including those related to race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, and family status.
- Freedom from Discrimination: Ensure content is free from stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination against any individual or group, as prohibited by the Ontario Human Rights Code.
- Equitable Access and Participation: Design content that removes barriers to learning and ensures equitable access to educational opportunities for all students, considering diverse learning needs and styles.
- Promotion of Well-being and Belonging: Foster a sense of belonging, safety, and positive self-identity for all students, contributing to their overall well-being.
III. Content Development & Scripting Procedures:
- Authentic and Affirming Representation:
- Scripts, narratives, and content outlines must proactively and authentically include individuals from diverse backgrounds reflective of Ontario's population, encompassing all protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code.
- Characters and examples shall be portrayed in positive, varied, and empowering roles that challenge traditional stereotypes and demonstrate their full potential and capabilities.
- Vigilant Avoidance of Bias and Stereotypes:
- All content shall be meticulously reviewed at the scripting stage to eliminate generalizations, caricatures, implicit biases, or assumptions about any individual or group.
- Content must actively work to dismantle negative biases and promote critical thinking about societal prejudices. Tokenism (superficial inclusion) is strictly prohibited.
- Inclusive and Respectful Language:
- Language used in all video scripts, narration, and on-screen text must be inclusive, respectful, and appropriate for a K-12 audience. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Using person-first language when referring to individuals with disabilities (e.g., "a student with a disability" rather than "a disabled student").
- Employing gender-neutral terminology where appropriate (e.g., "they/them," "students," "people" instead of gender-specific terms unless referring to specific individuals).
- Avoiding jargon, slang, or colloquialisms that may exclude or marginalize specific groups.
- Verifying terminology with current best practices and community guidelines from equity-seeking groups.
- Balanced and Multifaceted Perspectives:
- When presenting historical events, social issues, scientific theories, or cultural practices, content must incorporate and explicitly acknowledge multiple viewpoints, voices, and interpretations. It must avoid presenting a single, monolithic narrative and instead encourage students to understand complexity and varying experiences.
IV. Production & Visual/Audio Elements Procedures:
- Visually and Audibly Diverse Portrayal:
- All visual elements (characters, settings, examples, illustrations, footage) and auditory elements (voice acting, sound design) must consistently reflect the diversity outlined in the scripting phase.
- Visuals shall avoid perpetuating stereotypes related to appearance, actions, or environments.
- Voice acting should be diverse in tone and quality, avoiding accent-based stereotyping or caricatures.
- Accessible Design as Standard:
- All educational video content must integrate high-quality, accurate closed captions (CC) as a standard feature.
- Consideration and implementation of additional accessibility features, such as audio descriptions, sign language interpretation, and adaptable interactive elements, will be prioritized to meet the needs of students with various disabilities (e.g., in alignment with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act - AODA).
- Culturally Sensitive Contexts and Examples:
- All examples, scenarios, and background visuals used to illustrate concepts must be thoroughly vetted for cultural appropriateness and sensitivity, ensuring they are respectful and resonate positively across Ontario's diverse student population.
V. Review & Evaluation Procedures:
- Equity-Focused Review Process:
- All video content, from initial concept to final production, shall undergo a rigorous, multi-stage review process involving individuals with expertise in equity, diversity, inclusion, and the Ontario Human Rights Code.
- Reviewers will specifically assess content for compliance with all aspects of this policy and its alignment with the Ministry of Education's EIE Strategy.
- Learner and Stakeholder Feedback Integration:
- Robust mechanisms will be established to actively gather and analyze feedback from K-12 students, parents/guardians, and educators regarding the content's inclusivity, representation, and freedom from bias or discrimination. This feedback will be a critical input for revisions and future content development.
VI. Training and Continuous Improvement: All personnel involved in the creation, production, and review of K-12 educational video content will receive mandatory, ongoing training on the principles of the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Ministry of Education's EIE Strategy, and the specific procedures outlined in this policy. This policy will be reviewed and updated annually to ensure its ongoing relevance, effectiveness, and alignment with the latest provincial guidelines and best practices in equity and inclusive education.