OISE alumnus Gary Pieters appointed to Ontario Human Rights Commission

By Courtney McNeillie

OISE is delighted to announce that distinguished alumnus Gary Pieters has been appointed to the Ontario Human Rights Commission and a member of the board of directors of the Human Rights Legal Support Centre. The honour recognizes his knowledge and expertise in human rights, and in issues relating to vulnerable populations, public policy, social values, fairness, justice, and public service.

In his 25 years as an educator, Gary Pieters has served as a teacher, a vice-principal, and, currently, as a principal for the Toronto District School Board. Since 2017, he has been a member of the Minister of Education's Advisory Council on Special Education and has served on the Toronto Islands Residential Trust Corporation since 2020. Gary is also a commissioner and past president of the Urban Alliance on Race Relations. His extensive knowledge base and experience are leveraged through community building, youth engagement, diversity, and social inclusion.

A graduate of the University of Toronto, he earned his Bachelor of Arts (BA) in African Studies and Political Science at New College, and his Bachelor of Education (BEd) and Master of Education (MEd) at OISE.