OISE student Adam Cox recognized with Human Rights award
Adam Cox, a Master of Education student in the Department of Leadership, Higher & Adult Education, has been awarded the 2026 Ludwik & Estelle Jus Memorial Human Rights Prize in the Emerging Leader category.
Established in 1995, the Ludwik & Estelle Jus Memorial Human Rights Prize recognizes exceptional contributions by students, faculty, librarians, and staff who advance the University of Toronto’s commitment to human rights, equity, diversity, and inclusion. The prize forms part of the University’s prestigious Awards of Excellence (AWEX) program.
OISE community members have bestowed the Jus prize in recent years. In 2024, OISE alumna Shezadi (Shelly) Khushal was recognized in the same category. In 2022, Dr. Ann Lopez, Professor, Teaching Stream from OISE’s Department of Leadership, Higher and Adult Education, was named in the Influential Leader category.
Cox brings more than two decades of experience as an educator with the York Region District School Board (YRDSB) to his graduate studies at OISE. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a deep and sustained commitment to supporting at-risk youth, particularly those navigating complex relationships with the justice system.
Working in urban school settings, Cox has developed innovative Personalized Alternative Education programs that use experiential learning to re-engage marginalized students. By connecting youth directly with community partners for employment opportunities and mentorship, these programs provide critical pathways for students to complete their secondary education and build foundations for long-term success.
Among his notable initiatives are “Wellness Clinic” workshops, which bring together community organizations—including representatives from the justice system—into school environments. These workshops create opportunities for dialogue, helping to build trust with students who may feel alienated from institutional systems. Cox also works closely with parole officers and police services to support students in meeting both their educational goals and legal obligations, serving as a vital bridge between youth and the justice system.
Beyond his work in schools, Cox contributes to the broader educational community by teaching Additional Qualification courses for educators across Ontario, with a focus on experiential learning and strategies to support at-risk youth. He has also held leadership roles on the Boards of Directors for The Bridge Hamilton/Halton and the John Howard Society (Peel-Halton-Dufferin), where he advocates for improved services for individuals affected by crime.
Cox’s dedication extends well beyond the classroom. He regularly invests evenings and weekends assisting students and their families with legal processes, securing employment opportunities, and accessing essential mental health and community resources. His holistic and compassionate approach has had a lasting impact on the lives of many young people and their families.
He was nominated for the award by Barnabas Emenogu, Sessional Lecturer in the Department of Leadership, Higher & Adult Education at OISE.
As a recipient of the 2026 award, Cox will be recognized at a spring luncheon alongside fellow honourees. He will also receive a framed AWEX certificate at the 2026 Pinnacle Awards Luncheon, where recipients of several of the University’s top honours will be celebrated.
OISE congratulates Adam Cox on this well-deserved recognition and applauds his ongoing contributions to advancing equity, inclusion, and opportunity in education and beyond.