The Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) will launch its 2026 student census on March 3 to identify and monitor racism in schools.
“This initiative will gather important identity-based demographic information, aligning with the Board’s ongoing commitment to equity and inclusion for all,” said Wes Hahn, TLDSB director of education. “The data collected is crucial for providing the school system with valuable information that will be used to enhance strategic planning, programming, and services, ultimately improving student achievement and engagement.”
Board officials said this follows the Ontario government’s establishment of Data Standards for the Identification and Monitoring of Systemic Racism, also known as Ontario’s Anti-Racism Data Standards.
Officials said that for students in kindergarten to Grade 6, one census must be completed for each student by a parent or guardian, either online or on paper, with paper copies available upon request at the school. Grade 7 to 12 students will have the opportunity to complete the census in class on census day.
According to officials, the census is confidential and voluntary, but not anonymous. Individual responses, along with all personal student and family information, will remain strictly confidential and protected under freedom of information and privacy legislation.
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