Students from Holy Trinity CSS and St. Stephen CSS attend Braiding Diversity into Justice event

Dec. 11, 2023

On Nov. 15, a group of students from St. Stephen and Holy Trinity Catholic secondary schools had the opportunity to participate in the Braiding Diversity into Justice Event at the Lt. Col. Samuel S Sharpe D.S.O MP Courthouse in Oshawa. The event was organized as a collaboration between the Public Legal Education Committee and the Ontario Justice Education Network. 

According to the Ontario Justice Education Network, many marginalized and vulnerable young people consider a career in law out of their reach. Braiding Diversity into Justice helps young people “see themselves in law” by introducing them to legal professionals with whom they share similar backgrounds or experiences. The goal of these programs is to show that there is a place for everyone in the legal profession regardless of socio-economic status, disability, migration, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, or religion.

“Braiding Justice into Diversity was a great experience for all young people of colour,” said Stella-Israel, a Grade 11 student at St. Stephen CSS. “It helped teach us about the different fields of law and how to navigate being a young woman. It was inspiring to meet women who look like us and know our struggles.”

Jill Barker, vice principal at St. Elizabeth Catholic Elementary School and member of Braiding Diversity organizing committee, said she was thrilled to bring this opportunity to PVNC Catholic secondary schools in Durham. “Highlighting opportunities and supporting female students who have an interest in careers in the legal field is a passion of mine,” added Barker. “As a former law teacher with PVNC Catholic, I have seen first hand the impact that these opportunities can have on our students. When the opportunity was presented to me to represent the Board on this committee, I was more than happy to help.”