ETFO Statement on  

Social Justice and Equity

The objects of the Federation shall be:

4

 to foster a climate of social justice in Ontario 

and continue a leadership role in such areas as 
anti-poverty, non-violence, and equity. (ETFO 
Constitution, Article lll, Objects, 3.4)

A member shall:

4

 strive to eliminate all forms of harassment 

between individuals in the educational system;

4

 endeavour to ensure equity and inclusiveness 

in the workplace. 

(ETFO Constitution, Article VI, Code of Professional 

Conduct, 6.1.6-6.1.7)

ETFO recognizes that we live in a society characterized 
by individual and systemic discrimination against 
particular groups. Within this context ETFO defines 
equity as fairness achieved through proactive 
measures which result in equality for all. (Definition of 
“equity” adopted by ETFO Executive, October 1999.)

ETFO’s Constitution clearly states its commitment 
to social justice and equity. In articulating this 
commitment in the following statement, ETFO is acting 
from an understanding of itself as an agent for social 
change.

ETFO is a union committed to protecting and 
furthering the interests of its members. We see these 
interests as all-encompassing, not narrowly economic. 
Teachers and education workers look to their union 
to support their learning, growth, personal identities, 
professionalism, working conditions and livelihood. 

ETFO is a union whose members, in their work with 
children in schools, can perpetuate the current 
organization of society, or can, by education and 
example, foster a positive social transformation. We 
choose to support each other in learning to change the 
beliefs, behaviours and systems that damage all of us 
by excluding and harming some of us.

1. ETFO recognizes that discrimination is 

a fundamental, defining feature of our 
society, and takes many forms

Discrimination against particular groups of people 
is one of the central organizing principles by which 
resources and power are allocated in our society. 

Individuals can and do consciously and unconsciously 
practice discrimination. Discriminatory practices will 
not be accepted within ETFO. ETFO’s Constitution sets 
out a complaint and discipline procedure in Article VII: 
Disciplinary Procedures.

Discrimination is also “systemic,” the result of 
seemingly neutral policies or practices that, because 
they are grounded in the understandings of the 
dominant group, exclude or otherwise disadvantage 
members of other groups. 

ETFO’s members live and work within these 
discriminatory systems; some benefit from them, 
some are disadvantaged. As a union committed to 
social justice and equity, ETFO works actively to change 
these systems internally, in education and in society. 

2. Discrimination is experienced differently 

by different groups, each of which 
requires support designed to meet its 
particular needs

Groups that experience discrimination in Ontario 
today include: 

y

 women;

y

 racialized people;

y

 Aboriginal peoples;

y

 people with disabilities;

y

 gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer or 

questioning people; and 

y

 people living in poverty. 

Members of these groups are in the best position 
to identify and analyze the differences in issues and 

APPENDIX A

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