Human rights tribunal to probe Peel school board's racial makeup

In 2007-08, only five of 235 principals -- 2 per cent -- in the Peel school board were South Asian, while close to 30 per cent of Peel Region was South Asian.

The Ontario Human Rights Tribunal has made a groundbreaking decision to examine the racial makeup of the Peel District School Board.

Lawyers for vice-principal Ranjit Khatkur have argued in preliminary hearings that her race and cultural background played a role in the board’s decision to overlook her for promotion to principal on a number of occasions.

It was noted that in 2007-08, only five of 235 principals -- 2 per cent -- in the board were South Asian, while close to 30 per cent of Peel Region was South Asian.

In a recent interim decision, the human rights tribunal said systemic discrimination will be investigated as part of Khatkur's case, pending any further submissions by both parties.