Who we are?
The Fairfax County Student Human Rights Commission is the region's first commission comprised entirely of high school students with the mission of:
- Promoting dialogues on diversity among youth;
- Fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of differences;
- Creating exposure to human and civil rights laws, such as the Fairfax County Human Rights Ordinance and Fair Housing Act; and
- Encouraging leadership and active participation in government.
The Fairfax County Office of Human Rights & Equity Programs in partnership with Fairfax County Public Schools launched the Student Human Rights Commission (SHRC) program during the 2009 - 2010 school year, and the program continues to grow year after year. Each school year, the SHRC hosts events, plans activities, and facilitates campaigns in support of its mission.
2025-2026 Student Human Rights Commission Application
Who We Are:
The Fairfax County Student Human Rights Commission is the region’s first commission comprised entirely of high school students with the mission of:
- Promoting dialogues on diversity among youth;
- Fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of differences;
- Creating exposure to human and civil rights laws, such as the Fairfax County Human Rights Ordinance and the Fair Housing Act; and
- Encouraging leadership and active participation in government.
The Fairfax County Office of Human Rights & Equity Programs in partnership with Fairfax County Public Schools launched the Student Human Rights Commission (“SHRC”) program over 15 years ago, and the program continues to grow year after year. Each school year, the SHRC hosts events, plans activities, and facilitates campaigns in support of its mission.
Commissioner Responsibilities and Expectations:
The primary functions of the SHRC are to promote diversity and foster a greater understanding of differences among youth in Fairfax County through SHRC meetings, events, and activities.
The success of the SHRC is made possible by the sharing of ideas and the effort put forth by each member. The SHRC is comprised of two representatives from each public high school in Fairfax County. The application and selection process is highly competitive. As a Commissioner, you are viewed as a leader, not only to the students at your school, but for every student in our community. For this reason, it is important that you maintain a sense of responsibility and integrity throughout your term on the SHRC.
Before applying to become a Commissioner, consider whether you are able to:
- Attend and participate in regularly scheduled meetings (usually twice a month);
- Serve as a liaison between the SHRC and your high school to circulate information, encourage participation in activities, and launch SHRC initiated campaigns;
- Actively participate in SHRC events and enrichment activities;
- Be passionate, motivated, and creative about human and civil rights issues.
Meetings
The Student Human Rights Commission typically meets twice a month (Tuesdays) from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm, virtually or in-person in the Office of Human Rights & Equity Programs, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 318, Fairfax, VA 22035.
