The DCDSB human rights conference brought 115 secondary students to the Pope Francis Centre on October 15 to explore how they can help make schools more inclusive and accepting.
The Durham Catholic District School Board reported the event on October 16. It was the board’s second annual Student Human Rights Conference, held under a theme connecting awareness with action.
Students learned about discrimination, protected grounds under the Human Rights Code, protection from retaliation and allyship. The board said participants were invited to collaborate and share ideas about inclusion within their school communities.
Case studies connect learning with school life
The conference included case studies intended to help students understand effective advocacy. Participants considered how to respond when harmful incidents involving racism or discrimination occur, including ways to interrupt harm and support those affected.
By the end of the day, students discussed next steps with classmates. Those conversations included changes they wanted to see in their schools, potential partners and the human rights and equity commitments they could take forward.
The board’s account describes a learning and discussion event. It does not announce a new board policy, identify a specific discrimination investigation or provide a timetable for implementing students’ proposals.
The October 16 report provides the verified attendance figure and conference details. Any subsequent school projects or policy decisions would need their own confirmation.
