By Larry Dureski and Viva Moodley, BCTF Judicial Council members
The BC Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) Spring Representative Assembly passed a motion to add a new clause to the BCTF Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics outlines general rules that apply to all members to maintain high standards of professional service and conduct toward students, colleagues, and the professional union. Clause 10 states that, in the course of union business and meetings, the member must not discriminate against any other member because of any of the protected grounds under the BC Human Rights Code.
The addition of Clause 10 is part of the Federation’s ongoing work to be a more inclusive and accessible union. Incorporating the BC Human Rights Code ensures that our Code of Ethics remains current and relevant, as Clause 10 can be updated to reflect any changes that are made to the BC Human Rights Code based on emerging understandings of equity and inclusion. Clause 10 will help to ensure safe spaces that are free from discrimination for all members.
The Judicial Council is responsible for implementing the Code of Ethics and considering complaints of alleged breaches. The council consists of 18 members and one chairperson who are elected by the Representative Assembly.
For advice on how to proceed with issues related to the Code of Ethics, members are advised to contact local union officers. For information and advice on the Code of Ethics and the complaint process, contact Sherry Payne, Ethics Administrator at 604-871-1803, spayne@bctf.ca, or contact Nadia Bove, Internal Relations Administrative Assistant at 604-871-1823, nbove@bctf.ca, toll free 1-800-663-9163.
The member speaks and acts toward students with respect and dignity, and deals judiciously with them, always mindful of their individual rights and sensibilities.
The member respects the confidential nature of information concerning students and may give it only to authorized persons or agencies directly concerned with their welfare. The member follows legal requirements in reporting child protection issues.
A privileged relationship exists between members and students. The member refrains from exploiting that relationship for material, ideological, or other advantage.
The member is willing to review with colleagues, students, and their parents/guardians the practices employed in discharging the member’s professional duties.
The member directs any criticism of the teaching performance and related work of a colleague to that colleague in private. If the member believes that the issue(s) has not been addressed, they may, after privately informing the colleague in writing of their intent to do so, direct the criticism in confidence to appropriate individuals who can offer advice and assistance.* It shall not be considered a breach of the Code of Ethics for a member to follow the legal requirements for reporting child protection issues.
The member acknowledges the authority and responsibilities of the BCTF and its locals and fulfills obligations arising from membership in their professional union.
The member adheres to the provisions of the collective agreement.
The member acts in a manner not prejudicial to job actions or other collective strategies of their professional union.
The member, as an individual or as a member of a group of members, does not make unauthorized representations to outside bodies in the name of the Federation or its locals.
In the course of union business and meetings, the member must not discriminate against any other member because of race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, political belief, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or age of that person or member, or because that person or member has been convicted of a criminal or summary conviction offence that is unrelated to the membership or intended membership, or any other protected grounds under the BC Human Rights Code.