Black Legal Action Centre (BLAC): Anti-Black Racism in Human Rights Tribunal (1 Position)

Area of Law: Human Rights Code

Established in 2017, the Black Legal Action Centre (BLAC) is an independent not-for-profit community legal clinic, funded by Legal Aid Ontario, that combats individual and systemic anti-Black racism by providing free legal services, conducting research, developing public legal education materials, and engaging in test case litigation and law reform. To learn more about BLAC, check out their website here: www.blacklegalactioncentre.ca

In this project, students will expand a resource which will help clients complete applications regarding discrimination, specifically anti-Black racism, in services, accommodation (i.e. housing, occupancy), contracts, and employment. The goal of this project will to allow clients to help themselves, since BLAC regularly receives requests for assistance with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) applications than the clinic can fulfill. The resource should allow clients to answer relatively straightforward/plain language questions and receive a completed form which is ready to be reviewed by BLAC and/or filed at the HRTO.

The form currently exists in Google Form. The student will investigate potential tech solutions for this for this resource, such as a more complex AI/wizard. The student can look at other examples of similar tools (Steps to Justice, Human Rights Legal Support Centre, etc.) or see if there is a software engineer/tech company willing to volunteer to help. Additionally, the student will research how the HRTO may be using administrative processes (notice of intent to dismiss) to unjustly dismiss applications on the basis that they "fall outside their mandate," and try to address this through the resource. For example, the resource should ask specific questions to try and find the nexus between the 'unfairness' the person is experiencing and the related ground of discrimination.

The student will also research decisions from the HRTO that address anti-Black racism to update BLAC's HRTO decision tracking chart. 

Time Commitment

Students are expected to volunteer 3-5 hours per week. There are no regular shifts and most of the work can be completed remotely. 

Required Training

In addition to the PBSC mandatory training, all students will be invited to participate in internal training workshops relating to the research topic and other related areas of law. Students will have training in statutory interpretation.

Number of Students and Prerequisites

  • How many students? 
    • One student
  • Can first year law students volunteer? 
    • First year students are encouraged to apply!
  • Should you be bilingual?
    •  No - bilingualism is not an expectation but is always nice to have
  • Any other expectations for this project? 
    • Students should have an understanding of provincial human rights system and the ability to translate complex legal processes and issues into plain language. A background in adult education and familiarity with technology is an asset.