Powerful Connections: Academic Outcomes and PEI Human Rights Act in PEI Schools

It is recognized in Prince Edward Island as a fundamental principle that all

persons are equal in dignity and human rights without regard to age, color, creed,

ethnic or national origin, family status, marital status, physical or intellectual

disability, political belief, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or source of

income .(Preamble, PEI Human Rights Act, 2008)

The PEI Human Rights Act …

… shall be deemed to prevail over all other laws of this province and such laws shall be read as being subject to this Act.

(PEI Human Rights Act, (2), Construction of Act, 1976)

1965

1) Race 2) Religion 3) Creed 4) Colour 5) Ethnic or National Origin 1975 6) Sex 7) Marital Status 8) Political Belief 9) Age (18-65 in Area of Employment) 10) Physical Disability (in Area of Employ) 11) Having filed a prior HR complaint

1980

9) Age (18-65 years throughout Act)10) Physical Disability (throughout Act)

1985

9) Age (Removed 18-65 limitation)10) Physical or Mental Handicap

1988

8) Political belief (definition invalidated)

1989

8) Political Belief (redefined)

1997

8) Political Belief (w/ time-limited $ formula)

1998

12) Family Status13) Sexual Orientation 7) Marital Status (redefined)14) Source of Income

2008

7) Marital status (redefined)11) Physical or intellectual disability (replaces: Physical or mental handicap)

2012???

11) Disability (proposed replacement for Physical or Intellectual Disability)

Prohibited Areas of Discrimination in Act 1) Accommodations

2) Employment3) Lease or Sale of Property

4) Membership in Professional, Business, or Trade Associations and Employee Organizations5) Publications, Broadcasts, Public Displays And Advertisements6) Services/Facilities Available to the Public

7) Volunteer Work

(Basic Principles, Department of Education & Early Childhood Development, 2009)

The public education system demonstrates respect and support for fundamental

human rights as identified in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the

P.E.I. Human Rights Act

The PEI Human Rights Commission shall:

• administer and enforce the Act; and

• develop a program of public information and education in the field of human rights to forward the principle that every person

is free and equal in dignity and rights without regard to (14 grounds of

discrimination)

(PEI Human Rights Act, S(18), Powers and Duties of Commission, 1975)

2010-2011: Connections begun

Spring 2011:Funding secured

2011: Solidifying connections

Human rights education is much more than a lesson in schools or a theme for a day; it is a process to equip people with the tools they need to live lives of security and dignity.

(Kofi Annan, UN Secretary General, 1997 – 2001)

General Question to Curriculum specialists:

How does existing curriculum empower students to gain the knowledge, skills and

attitudes necessary to demonstrate respect and support for fundamental

human rights as identified in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the

P.E.I. Human Rights Act?

Specific Question to Curriculum specialists:

Which 3 Specific Curriculum Outcomes (SCOs) can be connected to the goal of:

empowering students to gain the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to

demonstrate respect and support for fundamental human rights as identified in

the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the P.E.I. Human Rights

Act?

3 SCOs From Grade 7 Language Arts

• SCO 3.2 demonstrate a respect for others by developing effective ways to express personal

opinions such that they reflect sensitivity to others, including differences in culture and language (p. 169);

• SCO 7.1 recognize that print and media texts can be biased, and become aware of some of the ways that information is organized and structured

to suit a particular point of view (p. 186);

SCO 4.2 read widely and experience a variety of young adult fiction and literature from different provinces and countries

Grade 7 LA SCOs 3.2, 4.2 & 7.1 would be highlighted &

Emailed to: thomasvhilton@gmail.com by 30/9/11

October 20-21, 2011 Annual Convention

References:

Annan, Kofi in British Institute of Human Rights. Human Rights in Schools. http://www.bihr.org.uk/projects/human-rights-in-schools.

DEECD (2009). Philosophy of Education: Basic Principles. http://www.gov.pe.ca/eecd/index.php3?number=1028849&lang=E. DEECD (2011). Atlantic Canada English Language Arts Curriculum. Grades 7-9. http://www.gov.pe.ca/photos/original/eecd_ELA11FINAL.pdf

PEI Human Rights Act (2008).

PEI Human Rights Commission (2001).25 Years of Human Rights: Sept 11, 1976 – Sept. 11, 2001.