Expression of Interest: Human Rights Advisory Committee

The Durham District School Board recognizes Indigenous Rights are distinct. In the exercise of those rights, Indigenous staff and students shall not be subjected to actions with the aim or effect of depriving these distinct rights.

The Durham District School Board is committed to providing learning and working environments that centre human rights and equity and are safe, welcoming, respectful, equitable, accessible, inclusive and free from all forms of discrimination, oppression, harassment and harm.

The DDSB has established a new Human Rights Advisory Committee. This committee will act in a strategic advisory role to the Board of Trustees to support the DDSB in upholding commitments, objectives and responsibilities under the DDSB’s Human Rights, Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Racism Policy.

The DDSB is seeking expressions of interest from community members with demonstrated experience in advancing and protecting human rights for up to seven (7) volunteer community representative roles on this committee.

We are looking for community members who have:

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the Ontario Human Rights Code, human rights principles and related analytical frameworks (including and not limited to intersectionality, power, balance, analyzing and addressing systemic barriers and discrimination, and competing rights.)
• Experience applying human rights principles and/or addressing systemic discrimination through professional and/or community service work (for example, in legal, public policy, educational, non-profit and/or community organizations, etc.)
• Understanding of human rights issues and institutional barriers in public school boards and/or the education system to advise the Board of Trustees on effective ways to fulfill its commitments and responsibilities under the Human Rights, Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Racism Policy.
• Demonstrated advocacy with regards to accessibility for people with disabilities.
• Exemplary communications skills to engage in sensitive group discussions with empathy and care.
• Community members must reside within the region of Durham.

In addition, all selected committee members must commit to: upholding the DDSB’s Indigenous Education Policy, Human Rights, Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Racism Policy and Safe and Respectful Workplace Policy, and participating in ongoing learning sessions. Committee members will also adhere to the DDSB’s Code of Conduct and a jointly developed statement of principles to guide the committee’s processes and work.

Community members interested in this opportunity must submit an expression of interest that outlines their experience, expertise and commitment to the six above mentioned criteria to: humanrightsadvisorycommittee@ddsb.ca by Friday, September 13, 2024 at 4:00 pm.

Selected community members will be invited to participate in a meeting to discuss their interest and experiences.

If you require accommodation under the Human Rights Code or Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act to submit an expression of interest, please contact: humanrightsadvisorycommittee@ddsb.ca.

Thank you for your interest in this exciting opportunity!