"For rights to be meaningful, people need to know them, know how to claim them, defend them, and hold their societies accountable."
Louise Arbour, Former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights & Supreme Court of Canada JusticeAs you prepare for life beyond high school (whether in the workplace, at college, or living independently) understanding your legal rights is your most powerful tool for protection. This module covers the spectrum of harassment and discrimination, the impact of media on our social biases, and the resources available to combat abuse.
Harassment and discrimination are not just "unpleasant" behaviors; they are violations of human rights.
The Government of Ontario has specific laws to protect workers from harassment and violence on the job.
At the extreme end of the relationship spectrum is domestic abuse. This is a global issue that affects millions, regardless of location or background.
The media we consume often reinforces harmful stereotypes that can lead to prejudice or the normalization of harassment.
Sexual and gender-based harassment are specific legal issues with high levels of detail regarding what constitutes a violation.
Video Recording Tip: Set up your camera at eye level and speak directly into the lens. Start your briefing with a clear hook (e.g., "If you are a student starting your first summer job, you need to know these three things...") to engage your audience immediately. Use Canva's free video templates to add professional-looking text overlays for your main points.
Task:
Choose a specific demographic or group (e.g., youth/student workers, women, racialized groups, or 2SLGBTQ+ individuals). Create a 2–3 minute video presentation (submitted as an .mp4 file) acting as an advocacy briefing that explains their rights, addresses stereotypes, and demonstrates boundary-setting.
Your video must cover:
Deliverable:
Submit your completed advocacy briefing as an .mp4 video file using the course app submission portal.
Before you submit, please complete the Pre-Submission Self-Assessment.
Workplace Rights & Advocacy Video (.mp4 file)
We are learning to:
Understand the legal definitions and implications of harassment, discrimination, and abuse
Critically analyze the role of media in shaping relationship stereotypes and prejudices
Identify strategies and resources for preventing and responding to harassment in professional and personal settings
I can:
Explain the legal implications of harassment and abuse under the Ontario Human Rights Code
Identify common media portrayals of relationships and explain how they can create false impressions
Describe local and global resources available for supporting victims of domestic or workplace abuse
Demonstrate communication skills that help set boundaries and reduce vulnerability to harassment
| Category | Level 4 | Level 3 | Level 2 | Level 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Legal Rights & Workplace Protections (Knowledge / Understanding)
How accurately does the student explain protected grounds and the legal steps to respond to workplace harassment under Ontario/Canadian law?
|
Explains protected grounds and legal recourse procedures with high accuracy and clear, correct details | Explains protected grounds and recourse procedures with clear and appropriate details | Explains some protected grounds or recourse procedures with basic detail | Explains grounds or recourse with limited accuracy or clarity |
|
Media Stereotype Analysis (Thinking / Inquiry)
How effectively does the student critique media stereotypes/prejudices and identify strategies to combat them?
|
Demonstrates deep, critical, and highly insightful analysis of media stereotypes and practical ways to combat them | Demonstrates clear analysis of media stereotypes and ways to combat them | Demonstrates basic analysis of stereotypes or ways to combat them | Demonstrates limited or vague analysis of stereotypes |
|
Boundary Setting & Communication (Application)
How practically and realistically does the student demonstrate verbal or non-verbal communication strategies to set boundaries in professional settings?
|
Demonstrates highly practical, realistic, and assertive boundary-setting communication strategies | Demonstrates practical and clear boundary-setting communication strategies | Demonstrates basic boundary-setting strategies with some effectiveness | Demonstrates limited or unrealistic boundary-setting strategies |
|
Oral & Visual Communication (Communication)
How clearly, engagingly, and professionally does the student present their video briefing?
|
Delivers an exceptionally clear, engaging, and professional video presentation with a respectful tone | Delivers a clear and organized video presentation with appropriate tone | Delivers a video presentation with some clarity and organization | Delivers a video presentation with limited clarity or organization |
Explains protected grounds and legal recourse procedures with high accuracy and clear, correct details
Explains protected grounds and recourse procedures with clear and appropriate details
Explains some protected grounds or recourse procedures with basic detail
Explains grounds or recourse with limited accuracy or clarity
Demonstrates deep, critical, and highly insightful analysis of media stereotypes and practical ways to combat them
Demonstrates clear analysis of media stereotypes and ways to combat them
Demonstrates basic analysis of stereotypes or ways to combat them
Demonstrates limited or vague analysis of stereotypes
Demonstrates highly practical, realistic, and assertive boundary-setting communication strategies
Demonstrates practical and clear boundary-setting communication strategies
Demonstrates basic boundary-setting strategies with some effectiveness
Demonstrates limited or unrealistic boundary-setting strategies
Delivers an exceptionally clear, engaging, and professional video presentation with a respectful tone
Delivers a clear and organized video presentation with appropriate tone
Delivers a video presentation with some clarity and organization
Delivers a video presentation with limited clarity or organization