Bill 287 explained in plain English

This Act amends the Education Act to mandate the inclusion of equity-related topics in the school curriculum, establish an Education Equity Secretariat Initiatives Branch, and require annual reporting from school boards on equity matters.

This Act amends the Education Act to ensure that the curriculum for all grades, from junior kindergarten to Grade 12, includes age-appropriate information on specific topics. These topics include the history of colonization and its impact on Indigenous and racialized people, ongoing racial and social inequities in Ontario, and how students can help build an inclusive and equitable Ontario. The Minister is required to consult with experts and groups representing Black, Indigenous, and racialized Ontarians when developing these curriculum guidelines. The Minister must also provide training and support for teachers on these topics. Additionally, the Act establishes an administrative division within the Ministry of Education called the Education Equity Secretariat Initiatives Branch. School boards will be required to submit annual reports to this branch detailing systemic barriers, equity needs, human rights issues, and measures taken to improve diversity and inclusion for racialized students and staff. The director of the branch can then make recommendations to the Minister based on these reports.