George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
Education is about more than career preparation—it’s also about learning how to participate meaningfully in society. That message was at the heart of the 2026 Social Justice Conference at George Brown Polytechnic, which welcomed more than 200 Grade 11 and 12 students from the Toronto District School Board and Toronto Catholic District School Board for an impactful day of learning focused on social and restorative justice.
George Brown was also honoured to host students and educators from its partner institution, University College of the Cayman Islands, adding an international perspective to the day’s conversations.
Bringing restorative justice to life through theatre
The conference opened with a compelling staged reading of Tough Case by actors from Roseneath Theatre, bringing the theme of restorative justice to life for students. The performance explored a complex situation with no easy answers, demonstrating how restorative justice can bring together those who have caused harm and those affected by it in a process that supports accountability, healing, and understanding.
The play also challenged students to think more deeply about the roots of harm, revealing that individuals responsible for harm may themselves be survivors of violence who need community support and pathways to healing.
Deepening the conversation
The performance set the tone for the rest of the conference, sparking thoughtful discussion during a Q&A session and faculty‑led workshops. Students engaged in nuanced conversations about empathy, accountability, and repairing harm.
As one student shared, “I felt sympathetic to all the characters because they were all humanized through the restorative justice process.” Throughout the day, participants actively contributed to discussions, reflected critically on what they had learned, and connected social justice concepts to their own lived experiences.
Inspiring civic responsibility
By the end of the conference, students left with a stronger understanding of how restorative practices can address systemic issues and a renewed sense of civic responsibility. The event inspired the next generation of changemakers and reinforced George Brown’s commitment to education that empowers learners to make a difference in their communities and beyond.
A collaborative effort
The conference was made possible through the support of faculty and staff across the seven schools within the Faculty of Community Services and Interdisciplinary Studies. Funding was provided by the Ministry of Education through the Dual Credit Program, in collaboration with the Toronto District School Board and the Toronto Catholic District School Board.
