Anti-Bullying, Harassment, and Discrimination Policy

1. Statement of Commitment

Am-Can Business & Tech Institute is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and equitable learning environment for all students, staff, and community members. In strict alignment with the Ontario Accepting Schools Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code, we maintain a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, and discrimination.

We believe that every student has the fundamental right to learn without fear of intimidation, marginalization, or hostility. Academic excellence and personal growth can only be achieved when every individual feels respected and valued.

2. Scope and Application

This policy applies to all members of the Am-Can community (students, parents/guardians, instructors, and administrative staff) across all school-related environments, including:

• The physical campus located in Vaughan, Ontario.

• The techstudy.ca e-Learning Management System (e-LMS) and all associated digital spaces (discussion boards, direct messaging, virtual classrooms).

• School-sanctioned events, field trips, and online social media interactions that have a negative impact on the school climate.

3. Definitions

To ensure clarity and consistent enforcement, the following definitions apply:

• Bullying: Repeated and aggressive behavior by an individual or group where there is an objective power imbalance (based on size, strength, age, peer group power, etc.). It is intended to cause harm, fear, or distress to another individual, including physical, psychological, or social harm.

• Cyberbullying: Bullying that occurs through electronic platforms. Given our robust digital learning environment, this includes, but is not limited to:

  • Sending threatening, mocking, or intimidating emails or direct messages through the e-LMS.

  • Posting malicious comments on discussion forums.

  • Creating isolated, exclusionary, or targeted digital groups.

  • Sharing private information, coursework, or images of peers without explicit consent.

• Harassment: Engaging in a course of vexatious (annoying or provoking) comments or conduct that is known, or ought reasonably to be known, to be unwelcome.

• Discrimination: Any form of unequal treatment based on protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code, including but not limited to race, ancestry, place of origin, color, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed (religion), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, or disability.

4. Roles and Responsibilities

Maintaining a safe school climate is a shared responsibility.

• Students: Are expected to treat peers and staff with dignity and respect. Students must not participate in bullying or discrimination and are strongly encouraged to report incidents they experience or witness.

• Instructors and Staff: Are required to actively monitor physical classrooms, collaborative workspaces, and online digital forums for signs of inappropriate conduct. Staff must intervene immediately when safe to do so and report all incidents to the Principal.

• Administration: The Principal (or designated administrative authority) is responsible for promptly and confidentially investigating all reports, enforcing disciplinary measures, and providing support to affected students.

5. Reporting Procedures

Students who experience or witness bullying, harassment, or discrimination must report it immediately.

1. Direct Reporting: Students can report incidents directly to their instructor via the techstudy.ca messaging system or speak to staff at the Vaughan campus administration desk.

2. Principal Escalation: Serious or ongoing incidents should be reported directly to the Office of the Principal via email at info@amcantech.org.

3. Bystander Action: We encourage a "see something, say something" culture. Bystanders who report incidents in good faith will be protected from reprisal.

6. Investigation and Disciplinary Action

All reports will be treated seriously, confidentially, and investigated promptly by the administration. If a student is found to have violated this policy, Am-Can Business & Tech Institute will employ a progressive discipline framework.

Depending on the severity and frequency of the offense, consequences may include:

• Level 1: A formal written warning, a mandatory meeting with parents/guardians, and required completion of an educational module on digital citizenship and respect.

• Level 2: Temporary restriction or suspension of interactive privileges on the techstudy.ca platform (e.g., read-only access to forums) or temporary suspension from the Vaughan campus.

• Level 3: Immediate and permanent expulsion from the course and the school without a refund.

• Note: Where conduct may be criminal in nature (e.g., uttering threats, distribution of intimate images, hate crimes), the administration will immediately involve the York Regional Police.

7. Support for Affected Students

The school is committed to supporting students who have been victims of bullying or discrimination. Support measures may include:

• Academic accommodations or extensions for coursework affected by the incident.

• Facilitating a safe transfer to a different course section or instructor if applicable.

• Providing referrals to appropriate community counseling or mental health resources.

8. Reprisal and False Allegations

• Protection from Reprisal: Retaliation against any student, parent, or staff member who reports an incident in good faith is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate disciplinary action.

• False Allegations: Intentionally making malicious or false accusations of bullying, harassment, or discrimination is a severe violation of the Student Code of Conduct and will be subject to appropriate disciplinary measures.