Few qualitative and quantitative studies of multicultural, multiracial leadership programs, or simply MLPs, have been undertaken. This qualitative study is based upon a case study methodology. A comparison of one school board's MLP with similar MLPs offered by other local boards of education is offered. A description and analysis of contemporary Canadian social, cultural, political, and linguistic diversity establishes the context in which these programs are set. A number of different definitions of terms associated with multiculturalism are discussed. Multiculturalism is based upon five general principles: (1) the retention and development of cultures, (2) the sharing of cultures, (3) the development of positive, equitable, and participatory individual and intergroup relations, (4) the respect and observance of human rights and civil liberties, and, (5) equality and equity. Education programs, policies and actions, including MLPs, are based upon some or all of the principles of multiculturalism. The design and implementation of these programs is symbolic of the furtherevolution of multicultural education from a systemic approach within education to a specific curriculum strategy. Within the thesis, a number of conclusions are reached. First, the full implementation of equality and equity within the Canadian society requires greater emphasis; policies, programs and actions which are designed to realize approach this ideal are mandatory. Second, greater access to government reports and materials is required. Third, the area of MLPs requires further investigation and analysis. Four, MLPs are based upon theory and field based strategies designed to increase tolerance, understanding, and acceptance of minority groups. Five, many MLPs share certain commonalities, but are modified according to individual school board needs and resources. Six, among the board level MLPs considered, the Ontario Multicultural, Multiracial Leadership Camp was highly influencial in the design and implementation of local school board camps. Seven, the MLP of the Board being studied requires modification; a number of models of multicultural leadership camps are offered as possible choices. / Education, Faculty of / Graduate

This research examines the challenges and opportunities of implementing diversity and multicultural education in faith-based Catholic high schools in Ontario, Canada which meets the requirements of both the Equity and Inclusive Education (EIE) and the Catholic Equity and Inclusive Education (CEIE). The data for this research were generated through interviews and focus group discussions with stakeholders—teachers, parents, students, educational assistants and educational administrators at the Catholic District School Board and the Community of the Beloved Catholic High School. Based on data analysis and review of literature in the areas of equity, inclusive education and multicultural education, the current research identified the school culture as the most decisive component in realizing the strategy for inclusion and safe schools required both by the EIE and the CEIE. The fundamental challenge identified by this research is that multiculturalism and diversity are fairly broad sets of values, programs, and projects in Canada which offers challenges in understanding what educational strategies and approaches for realising them in faith-based schools. In addition, this research found out that Catholic schools and boards of education have become sites for conflict and tension in the understanding, interpretation and application of what different stakeholders understand and implement about equity and inclusion. The current research discovered that this tension is an opportunity for the Catholic schools to create a new identity through a greater commitment to ‘real encounters’ between teachers and students which place a greater accent on the cultural and personal experiences and social location of students. This research proposed that the separate educational system in Ontario needs to discover new ways of meeting the challenges of multicultural education. The research recommended how such new ways could draw from the rich social teaching resources of the Christian tradition with regard to options for the poor, and from recent studies and innovations in critical theories of cultures, pedagogy and educational policies and programs in pluralistic societies. Such a new approach will be broad enough to integrate diverse interpretations of diversity and multiculturalism in Canada, and specific enough to model effective pathways for meeting the needs of students and the goals and priorities of a safe schooling culture within a specific faith- based setting. / Educational Studies / D. Ed. (Socio-Education)