Human Rights and Equity Programs

CONTACT INFORMATION: Our office is open 8AM-4:30PM. To file a complaint, call (703) 324-2953 to be scheduled for an intake appointment via telephone or videoconference.
703-324-2953 TTY 711
12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 318
Fairfax, VA 22035
Michael L. Simms
Acting Director

Student Human Rights Commission

Student Human Rights Commission LogoWho 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.


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2023-2024 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.

Deadline for submission: Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at 5:00pm

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Meetings

The Student Human Rights Commission typically meets twice a month (Tuesdays), from 4:30-6:00pm, in the Office of Human Rights & Equity Programs, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 318, Fairfax, VA, 22035. 

Group of SHRC Commissioners

 

Join the Commission

Thank you for your interest in the Fairfax County Student Human Rights Commission. Applications for the 2023-2024 school year are now being accepted. The deadline to submit your application is Wednesday, May 31, 2023. 


SHRC Launches Mental Health Resource Website

The Fairfax County Student Humans Right Commission is proud to announce the launch of a mental health resource website for Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) students.


SHRC to Host Virtual Panel Discussion on Policing in Schools

The Fairfax County Student Humans Rights Commission will host “Let’s Talk: featuring the Fairfax Police Force” on Monday, May 17th.


2021 Art & Writing Contest Winners

The 2021 SHRC Fair Housing Art and Literary Contest  winners have been selected! This year's theme is Home Knows No Distance. 


SHRC Recommended Reads 2021

Recommended reading list for Read Across America 2021


Announcements


SHRC Speaker Series: Education Panel

fcps panel

On November 24, 2020, the Fairfax County Student Human Rights Commission held an Education Panel with several distinct educators to address the concerns and questions regarding our system of education. The speakers included Dr. Phyllis Pajardo, Superintendent of the City of Fairfax Schools, Dr. Brabrand, the Superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools, and Abrar Omeish and Rachna Sizemore Heizer, who both serve as At-Large Board Members on the Fairfax County Schools Board.

Some of the questions asked by the Student Human Rights Commission to the educators were about the type of people being consulted to increase equity in education and how they are listening to those impacted by inequity and seeking their input. The Commissioners asked about how the educators plan to implement inclusivity training and anti-racist curriculum among all FCPS teachers, how FCPS is ensuring staff members respect the identity of all students, and what their next steps towards creating a more ethnically diverse county look like. The SHRC also inquired about what resources are available for students of color and low-income students in FCPS and what steps the panelists are taking to reduce disparities in discipline. Other topics discussed were about how FCPS will better support elementary students virtually who have two working parents, what steps FCPS is taking to ensure the protection of all students as well as what is being done to close the school to prison pipeline.

Author: Yasmeen Galle, SHRC Historian


SHRC Speaker Series: Mental Health Panel

mental health panel

On November 10, 2020, the Fairfax County Student Human Rights Commission held a Mental Health Panel with several mental health professionals to address relevant topics and to answer questions regarding mental health. The speakers were Daniel Gillison, the CEO of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Paul Gionfriddo, the President and CEO of Mental Health America (MHA), and Dr. Virginia Lindahl, a licensed clinical psychologist in Alexandria, Virginia who specializes in psychological testing and psychotherapy.

Some of the topics discussed included the state and local level’s support in students’ mental health, various mental health issues pertaining to Northern Virginia, and how we can help support the mental health of marginalized community members. Other questions answered by the panelists were related to the effect of discrimination on our mental health, methods to get mental health breaks, how the use of social media has increased the number of students experiencing mental health issues, and how students who have family members that suffer from a mental health disorder can assist them during their episodes.

Author: Yasmeen Galle, SHRC Historian

 

 

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