For Immediate Release
Monday, August 19, 2002 — At a meeting held late last week, the League for Human Rights of B’nai Brith Canada and Chief Commissioner Keith Norton pledged to join forces in an effort to combat hate, in all its forms, in Ontario schools.
The meeting was held at the request of the League in response to comments regarding perceived ramifications of the Education Tax Credit for independent schools, made by the Chief Commissioner during the release of the Commission’s Annual Report last month. The remarks caused great concern among members of various faith, ethnic and cultural communities who, by religious imperative or moral conscience, elect to send their children to independent schools.
Toni Silberman, Chair of the Ontario Region of the League for Human Rights stated: “Following our open and frank discussion, we feel that Mr. Norton now clearly understands the perspective of, and the impact of his remarks on, our communities. We recognize and share his concern that all schools must both be familiar with and understand public policy as it relates to respecting the dignity and worth of each individual, and abide by the laws of the land. Given Chief Commissioner Norton’s long-standing commitment to human rights for all Ontarians, we look forward to working with him in this area.”
“I have long been a supporter of the right of parents to choose the educational forum which best serves the needs of their children, in accordance with the rights afforded them by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights”, stated Chief Commissioner Norton. “The challenge before us is to ensure that the proper mechanisms are in place within the educational system, to ensure a positive ethos of mutual respect and tolerance.”
Speaking jointly on behalf of their organizations, Chief Commissioner Norton and Ms. Silberman agreed: “At a time when incidents of discrimination and hate are increasing, it is more important than ever that all students in Ontario — whether in public or independent schools — be taught to identify, and possess the tools necessary to combat hate. We are delighted to have the opportunity to work in partnership to move the issue of anti-hate and anti-discrimination education forward, throughout all schools in the province.”
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For additional information, contact:
Toni Silberman, Chair, League for Human Rights, 416-505-1584
Francois Larsen, Acting Director, Policy and Education, Ontario Human Rights Commission, 416-314-4532
Anita Bromberg, Human Rights Coordinator, League for Human Rights, 416-633-6224
B’nai Brith has been active in Canada since 1875 as the community’s foremost advocacy and volunteer organization.
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