Equity, Diversity, Inclusion
Dear RSB Community,
As a public-school board, we are required to comply with Law 29 (Bill 94), which reinforces the principle of secularism in Québec, namely when it comes to the display of religious symbols.
We recognize that this requirement can be challenging, and we want to acknowledge the deep personal and cultural significance that these symbols may represent for many families in our community.
Please know:
– Our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion remains strong.
– We value every student and family. While the law sets limits on visible religious symbols, it does not diminish the respect and appreciation we have for your traditions and contributions.
Our schools are spaces of respect, dignity, and collaboration. Together, we will continue to create an environment where everyone feels valued and included, while fulfilling our legal obligations.
Thank you for your trust and partnership in supporting our students. We remain committed to ensuring that all voices and faces are heard and seen in our learning spaces.
If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to your school administration.
The Riverside School Board Administration
You have questions regarding Law 29? Please find the Q & A below.
Riverside School Board recognizes its role as an educational organization, with the power and responsibility to impact citizenship through education. We recognize diversity as a fact. We must value and honour all faces, voices, realities, and experiences, and ensure that ours is an organization where children, youth and adults are acknowledged, respected, welcomed and empowered. We commit to the ongoing work required to keep equity and inclusion at the forefront of our reflection and decision-making, in dedication to social emotional well-being, educational excellence and success for all.
Mission
One of Québec’s English school boards, Riverside is committed to providing an engaging, inclusive, adaptive and bilingual environment that empowers learners to achieve their full potential.
Vision
At Riverside School Board, we are passionate about our commitment to graduate and qualify students who are critical thinkers, proficient in English and French, equipped both academically and socially to fulfill their highest potential and prepared to be contributing, engaged citizens.
Values
Respect
For diversity, individual differences and the environment.
Success
In fostering engagement, collaboration, lifelong learning.
Belonging
With pride to a safe, caring, stimulating and inclusive community.
Q & A Regarding Law 29
(Bill 94 – Secularism) and Our Commitment to Inclusion
School and Centre Staff
Namely, affirming the secular nature of the State, specifically for the education network.
– All staff hired after March 19, 2025, offering a service to students cannot wear a religious symbol.
– All volunteers working with students cannot wear a visible religious symbol.
Yes, it applies to any staff members hired after March 19, 2025, offering a service to students, including the assistant director general and the director general who are subject to law 29 as well as anyone. The only exception applies to bus drivers and people employed on or before March 19, 2025, as long as they remain in the same position.
All volunteers working with students cannot wear a visible religious symbol.
No. As a public-school board, we are legally required to implement and comply with Law 29 (Bill 94). Our role is to apply the law fairly, respectfully, and consistently.
Absolutely not. Our commitment to EDI remains central to our values and our work. We continue to honour the identities, cultures, and beliefs of all students, families, and staff while fulfilling our legal obligations.
Staff are encouraged to reach out to:
– Their manager or principal
– Human Resources
– Our confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at 1-833-711-2327.
– We are committed to supporting staff with sensitivity, care, and respect.
Yes. Inclusion, dignity, and respect for diversity are core values for us. Even as we implement the legal requirements of Law 29 (Bill 94), we remain dedicated to ensuring that all voices and faces are heard, seen, and valued.
Staff: Your manager, principal, or the HR department.
Families/Community: Your school administration.
No, you cannot. You may celebrate Holiday festivities, winter break, spring festivities (i.e. bunnies and chocolates).
No. Beginning March 19, 2025, paid leave for religious holidays is limited to days officially included in the school calendar. Any religious observance that is not on that calendar is not paid under Law 29. Employees must use personal days, vacation, or unpaid leave for such days.
Parents and Volunteers
It applies to all individuals working in or entering school environments, including:
– Lunchroom monitors
– After-school care staff
– Library volunteers
– Administrative assistants
– Parent volunteers
Any visible religious symbols or faith identifiers are not permitted while volunteering in a school setting during school hours. Examples include:
– Kippahs
– Hijabs
– Turbans
– Crucifixes
– Other faith identifiers
Families can contact their school administration. We are here to listen, answer questions, and support students and families through open communication.
The law strictly requires uncovered faces for anyone on school property, including parent volunteers during drop-off and pick-up times.
– You cannot wear visible religious attire while volunteering under Law 29 (Bill 94).
– Face coverings are not allowed, even during drop-off or pick-up.
– The “grandfather clause” does not apply to volunteers.
Expect that religious symbols and face coverings will not be allowed on-site during your time there—whether helping in class, at events, or in committees.
No. School spaces may not be used for religious practices.
Yes, you can. Only volunteers and staff cannot wear a religious symbol when providing a service to students or in their presence.
