Problem
In the 'George Dorion School Division,' the demographics of the teaching staff does not match the demographics and diversity of its student body. In fact, only about 22 percent of the teachers working for the school division are visible minorities, while 72 percent of the students are visible minorities. Also, about 76 percent of the teachers working for the school division are male, while the student population is approximately 50 percent male and 50 percent female.
I. Given the demographics of the teachers in comparison with the demographics of the students, do you think there is a need for the 'George Dorion School Division' to develop and implement an Employment Equity Program? If your answer is 'no,' explain why not? If your answer is 'yes,' explain what the focus of the Employment Equity Program would be.
II. The next time the School Division wants to advertise to hire more teachers, would it be discriminatory and/or illegal for the job advertisement to include the following sentence: "The first round of interviews will be granted to candidates that meet one or more of the following criteria in addition to having teaching experience: Female, visible minority, French language abilities, and music experience?" Why or Why not?
III. What would be one potential benefit and one potential challenge that school division may encounter if it implemented an Employment Equity Program?