News Release
8/28/2017
Toronto, ON - On August 27, 2017, The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) awarded Human Rights Awards to York Region District School Board Chair Loralea Carruthers, Vice-Chair Corrie McBain and Coordinating Superintendent of Equity and Community Services Cecil Roach.
The recipients were announced at the Spotlight 150: Education, Engaging Muslim Families: Building Inclusive Schools panel discussion event with parents and educators at the Old Mill Toronto.
“I am honoured to receive the Human Rights Award for our ongoing efforts to nurture inclusive schools for all. This award is a testament to all the hard work from YRDSB trustees, staff, families, students and community members to promote inclusivity, diversity and a safe space for students,” said Board Chair Loralea Carruthers. “I congratulate fellow award winners Vice-Chair Corrie McBain and Superintendent Cecil Roach for their steadfast support for equity and inclusion in our board.”
Hon. Micheal Coteau, Minister of Children & Youth Services, Minister Responsible for Anti-Racism was also an award recipient and delivered the keynote address. The panel included YRDSB elementary principal, Rima Ishtiaque and other administrators, educators and community members from the Greater Toronto Area including Idil Abdulkadir, Gachi Issa, Dilawar Alvi, Haniya Sheikh and Amira Elghawaby. The objective of the event was to explore ways to engage communities to work together to promote diversity and inclusive schools.
York Region District School Board is the third largest school district in Ontario with over 123,000 students in 176 elementary schools and 32 secondary schools. York Region students consistently perform above average in provincial testing and the Board is one of the top achievers in Ontario. For more information about the York Region District School Board, please visit the Board website and follow @YRDSB on Twitter.
For more information contact:
Amanda Burnett
Communications Assistant, Corporate Communications
905.727.0022 Ext. 2272