How to Report Antisemitic Incidents that Occur at Hamilton Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) Schools
Every student deserves to feel safe, respected, and proud of who they are at school. If your child experiences or witnesses antisemitism it is important that you report it.
Follow these steps to make sure your incident is tracked and addressed.
1.A. Start with the School
Contact your child’s teacher, vice-principal, or principal. Share what happened, who was involved, and why it was antisemitic. You can also reference HWDSB's Human Rights Policy. Whenever possible, report by email so there is a written record.
IMPORTANT: In March 2025, the HWDSB Human Rights Office (HRO) began tracking Human Rights and Hate-Based Incidents that occur across the Board. It is important that you ask your school if your incident has been entered into the tracking system and request an incident number if available. If you are unsure if it has been included, complete the HRO incident form linked below.
1.B Report to Hamilton Jewish Federation (HJF)
Families are encouraged to report all antisemitic incidents to the HJF as soon as possible.
HJF can:
• provide support and guidance
• help families navigate school processes
• track antisemitism locally and support regional and national tracking
• advocate for safer schools
2. Anonymous Reporting (optional)
HWDSB Helps is a free and anonymous way for students to find help for themselves and one another. Tips may relate to student mental health, bullying, substance use and more. When students, staff and families help promote a positive school environment, schools are safer and more welcoming places.
The service receives anonymous messages and shares the report with staff who follow existing Board and school protocols. This is not a crisis line or counselling service.
Use HWDSB Helps to submit an anonymous report:
Text: 905-963-0066
3. Escalation to Superintendent of Education (optional)
If the school response does not resolve your concern, you should contact the Superintendent of Education responsible for your child’s school. Superintendents provide a system-level review before a formal Human Rights Office complaint.
4. HWDSB Human Rights Office (formal Board review)
If the concern is not resolved at the school level or by Superintendent involvement, contact the HWDSB Human Rights Office. Submit an incident report at the form linked below or email [email protected].
If concerns remain after exhausting Board processes, families can contact the Ontario Ministry of Education or file a formal complaint through the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal.
5. Police (for safety or criminal concerns)
Hamilton Police Service Hate Crime Unit online reporting or 911 if an emergency.
For further help
If you have followed all these steps and your incident has not been resolved, please follow up with Glenn Mannella, our Regional Security Advisor.
