TEACHING RESOURCES

New Brunswick Human Rights Act by Carmen Meehan

Level: 9

Theme: Role Playing: Understanding the New Brunswick Human Rights Act.

Objectives: to become familiar with the New Brunswick Human Rights Act, to emphasize the importance of human rights, to gain an appreciation of the relationship of rights and duties, to promote human dignity, respect and peace for all citizens.

Materials: a number of skits which involve a violation of the NB Human Rights Act (for this lesson we will focus only on one skit) and a copy of the New Brunswick Human Rights Act for each student.

Lesson:

1. A few students either volunteer or are selected to role play a skit for the class.

2. When the skit has been played out, ask the class for their observations and opinions - did they observe anything improper in the characters' dialogue or actions?

3. If they can pinpoint any abuses of the NB Human Rights Act, instruct them to look through their copy of the Act to see if they can find the exact definition of the violation they just witnessed during the skit (the purpose being if the students look through the entire Act they are thereby familiarizing themselves with its contents.)

4.When the violation has been identified [4(2), Pg. 8] in the Act, read it aloud and encourage the students to share their thoughts on its contents.

5. Some questions to put forth to the class: How do you think the Gabriels felt? How would you feel if you were in this position? Do you see any logic in Mr. Sauler's reasoning? If so, explain. Where do you think Mr. Sauler might have acquired his racist views?

6. If time permits do another skit and follow the same steps as above.

**After students are familiar with the discrimination in the Act, another lesson could focus on the Grievance Procedure - the steps to follow when filing a grievance.

Skit For Role Playing

Characters: Narrator, Mr. and Mrs. Gabriel - a black couple who saw an advertisement in the local newspaper regarding a townhouse for sale, and Mr. Sauler- the owner of the townhouse who is showing it to the couple.

As they walk through the townhouse their conversation goes as follows:

Mr. Sauler: So, where do you work, Mr. Gabriel?

Mr. Gabriel: I've just been transferred to New Brunswick by a bank. I'm their new manager.

Mr. Sauler: Why did you choose this particular neighbourhood to live?

Mr. Gabriel: For a number of reasons. The neighbourhood is clean and it seems quiet. It's fairly close to my place of employment but most importantly, we've seen a great number of children outside playing.

Mrs. Gabriel: Yes, we have 2 children, ages 5 and 7, and we want to be in a neighbourhood where there are plenty of children their ages. The school is also within a short walking distance.

Narrator: As the Gabriels look at each room in the townhouse, they like what they see. The rooms are large and bright, and it seems to be exactly what they are looking for. It also has a large fenced in backyard where the children can play. The Gabriels discuss their options while Mr. Sauler is in another room. They decide to make an offer to buy. This offer is, in fact, the highest Mr. Sauler has had to date.

Mrs. Gabriel: We are very interested in purchasing this townhouse. We feel it is ideal for us. We're offering you $90,000.

Mr. Sauler: Perhaps you should take more time to think about this.

Mr. Gabriel: But why? We like what we see.

Mr. Sauler: Do you realize that you would be the only black family in the neighbourhood?

Mr. Gabriel: I don't see that as being a problem.

Mr. Sauler: I just don't want you or any of the other families living here to be uncomfortable. You understand don't you?

Mrs. Gabriel: No, Mr. Sauler we do not understand. Please explain yourself.

Mr. Sauler: Look, I'm thinking in terms of what's best for everyone involved. You must see the position you are putting me in. I'm afraid I must refuse your offer.

Narrator: Mr. and Mrs. Gabriel stare at Mr. Sauler for a moment and shake their heads.

Then, quietly they leave.

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© 2007 Atlantic Human Rights Centre, St. Thomas University