If you or your child is discriminated against by an educational institution, there are several options available to you.
A preliminary option is to try and self-advocate, which means resolving your concerns informally, and collaboratively. This may involve speaking with those directly involved or getting support from others.
Sometimes, self-advocacy is not enough. In these cases, you may wish to consult a lawyer who practices human rights, discrimination, or education law to see whether the following options are appropriate:
- A complaint to the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission. You can contact the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission or visit its Complaint Self-Assessment page to get a better sense of whether your experience falls within the purview of the Human Rights Act. If your issue falls within the purview of the Human Rights Act, commission staff can help you file a complaint. Generally, you must make a complaint within twelve months of the incident. See the Human Rights Guide for more information.
- Filing a complaint with a private career college or school administration supervisor directly
Filing a complaint with the Department of Labour and Advanced Education - Making a complaint to the Nova Scotia Office of the Ombudsman.