Every back-to-school season brings its share of hopes and anxieties. For many immigrant and racialized families in Repentigny and Lanaudière, it also brings a question that shouldn't even exist: Will my child be treated fairly this year? This apprehension isn't paranoia. It's based on real, documented experiences lived by local parents. The good news is that the law is on your side, and knowing your rights makes a real difference. Here's what you need to know to get through the school year.

The fundamental right: education without discrimination

In Quebec, the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms prohibits discrimination based on race, colour, ethnic or national origin, and religion, including in access to educational services and the way those services are delivered. In practical terms, your child has the right to learn in an environment where they are not more closely monitored, punished more severely, steered toward less demanding programs, or ridiculed because of their origin, name, accent, religion, or hair texture.

This applies to both visible actions and more subtle decisions: a disproportionate disciplinary sanction for the same behavior, a targeted search, repeated comments about origins, exclusion from an activity, or the refusal to take a report of racially motivated bullying seriously. Discrimination does not need to be intentional to be prohibited: what matters is the effect on the child.

The right to information and participation

You have the right to understand what is happening in your child's educational path and to participate in decisions that concern them. If French is not your first language, do not hesitate to request support or an interpreter at important meetings (intervention plan, disciplinary measures, referrals). A decision made without your understanding and input is a decision you can oppose.

You also have the right to consult your child's academic record, to request explanations for a grade, a suspension, or a placement, and to obtain this information in writing. Make it a habit to request important communications by email: this creates a dated record, useful if a disagreement arises.

The right to appropriate services

A newly arrived child is entitled to reception and French-language training services. A child with special needs is entitled to an assessment and an intervention plan. Beware of a common pitfall: difficulties related to learning a new language or culture shock are sometimes wrongly interpreted as behavioral or learning difficulties. You can request that an assessment take into account your child's migration and linguistic background, and request a second opinion if a classification seems unfair.

Recognizing profiling in schools

Profiling in schools rarely takes the form of an outright insult. It tends to creep in through minor infractions: two students do the same thing, only one is sent to the principal's office. A student of color is the first to be suspected when something goes missing. A child is described as "aggressive" or "intimidating" for behaviors that would be considered harmless in another. Taken individually, each incident may seem minor. It is their accumulation that reveals unequal treatment.

If you notice this pattern, trust your observation, but document it. Keep a journal: dates, specific facts, reported comments, names of people present, and especially instances where your child was treated differently from other students in similar situations. These comparisons lend weight to a complaint.

Dress codes, hair and religious symbols

A common source of tension at the start of the school year concerns appearance. Remember this principle: a dress code must apply equally to all students. If, in practice, it primarily targets certain students—for example, by prohibiting hairstyles associated with Afro hair (braids, locs, headscarves) or by deeming an outfit "inappropriate" when it is not for others—it can become discriminatory. Hair texture and style are part of one's identity, and a child should never be humiliated or punished for them.

From a religious perspective, it's important to distinguish between two things. Quebec's secularism law regulates the wearing of religious symbols by certain staff members in positions of authority—not by students. Your children retain the right to wear religious symbols at school, and the school has an obligation to provide reasonable accommodation for religious practices (for example, for certain holidays or dietary needs), as long as this does not impose undue hardship. If you are refused permission, request it in writing and bring someone with you: an unjustified refusal can be challenged.

If a situation worries you: the steps to take

If a situation concerns you, the procedure always begins with dialogue with the school, then progresses step by step.

  1. Speak to the person involved or their supervisor (The teacher, then the administration). State the problem clearly and in writing, and indicate what corrective action you expect. The school has a deadline to respond.

  2. Contact the complaints officer from your school service centre if the answer is not satisfactory.

  3. Contact the Regional Student Ombudsman, An independent and free resource that will assist you in drafting your complaint and will make recommendations. The law protects you and your child from any retaliation for filing a complaint.

In parallel — and not instead of — you can file a complaint for discrimination with the Commission for Human Rights and Youth Rights (CDPDJ), The school board has three years from the incident to file a complaint. The school procedure aims to correct the situation on the ground; the Quebec Human Rights Commission (CDPDJ) aims to have the rights violation recognized. The two are complementary. (See our detailed guides "Racial Profiling in Schools: The Steps to Take" and "Filing a Complaint with the Human Rights Commission.")

What not to do

Don't limit your communication to verbal exchanges: a simple email summarizing each meeting is invaluable. Don't minimize your child's signs of distress (withdrawal, falling grades, refusal to go to school); take them seriously and seek support. Don't face the institution alone: you have the right to be accompanied, and this often changes the tone of the discussions. And don't give up out of discouragement—every documented situation matters, both for your child and for improving practices.

Starting the year off on the right foot

Not everything hinges on conflict. A successful start to the school year also means presenting your child to their teacher in a positive light, expressing your willingness to collaborate, and setting clear expectations from the outset. The vast majority of school staff act in good faith. Knowing your rights doesn't put you in the position of adversary; it allows you to be a clear-headed partner, capable of recognizing what's working well and what isn't, and of acting confidently when necessary.

LAKAY can assist you

LAKAY provides free and confidential support to immigrant and racialized families in Repentigny and Lanaudière. We can help you prepare for a meeting with the school, document a situation, draft your communications, understand the complaint process, and, if necessary, prepare an appeal to the Student Ombudsman or the CDPDJ (Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse).

LAKAY
818 Notre-Dame Street, Suite 202, Repentigny, Quebec
Telephone: 514 532-0484
Website: lakaymedia.org
Facebook: facebook.com/lakayrepentigny

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This text provides general information on the law in force in Quebec. It does not replace legal advice tailored to your specific situation.