The story of Gabrielis one of resilience, courage, and dedication to continuously standing up for himself and the truth. He was born in Guadeloupe and is a French citizen with a background as a French Federal police officer. His pursuit of Australian citizenship marked Gabriel’s journey to Australia, but a series of incidents and allegations of discrimination also marred it. His determination to address these challenges and advocate for immigrant rights in Australia led him to the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC).
This article delves into the key chapters of his experiences and his quest for justice.
Early Life and Education:
Gabriel is 44 years old, in the captivating West Indies of Guadeloupe. His early years were shaped by the unique blend of cultures and traditions that define this picturesque region. With a deep commitment to education, Gabrielpursued higher learning, culminating in a Bachelor’s degree in Science, Sport, and Management. This academic journey set the stage for his future endeavors.
Immigration to Australia:
In January 2016, Gabriel, an international student,made a life-altering decision to move to Perth, Australia, when he was driven by the allure of the country’s diverse culture and promising economic opportunities. His goal was clear, and it was to obtain Australian citizenship, which would later further help him to pursue his dreams.
Incidents and Allegations:
Throughout his time in Australia, Gabrielfaced a series of incidents and discriminatory treatment, which showed the complexities that immigrants often encounter when pursuing a new life in a foreign land. Among many incidents, one was when Gabrielwanted to pursue a diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care with the Australian Learning Group at Perth College Subiaco and South Lake Early Learning Centre, which was marked by mistreatment and discrimination. His grievances went unaddressed, which casta shadow on his educational aspirations.
Complaints with the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC):
As a vocal advocate for immigrant rights, Gabrieltook his quest for justice to the Australian Human Rights Commission. In September 2020, he filed a complaint against ALG, supported by evidence of harassment and racial discrimination. AHRC accepted his complaint in November 2020, initiating an investigation. Given his international student status, Gabrielrequested urgent procedures, but these were not implemented.
Subsequently, in May 2021, Gabrielfiled additional complaints against his teacher at ALG, South Lake Early Learning Centre (SLELC), and SLELC’s supervisor. These complaints, too, were accepted for harassment and racial discrimination. Throughout the investigation process, Gabrielexpressed a strong desire to conciliatewith all parties but did not receive a response.
The Disheartening Conclusion:
The climax of Gabriel’s journey with AHRC came with a disheartening conclusion. On August 31, 2021, AHRC terminated its investigation against ALG, citing the internal investigation findings conducted by the institution itself. This decision raised questions about the objectivity and thoroughness of the investigation, casting doubt on whether justice was truly served.
On December 2, 2021, AHRC terminated its investigation along with the removal of the charge of harassmentagainst SLELC, its supervisor, and the ALG teacher, all of whom were subjects of Gabriel’s complaints. This termination came without any explanation, leaving Gabrieland his supporters bewildered and disheartened. The decision appeared to conclude that discrimination based on Gabriel’s race, color, nationality, or ethnic origin could not be established beyond his proven evidence, denying him the right to have a conciliation procedure.
While AHRC’s decision mentioned that discrimination based on Gabriel’s race could not be established, there were circumstances, such as his teacher allowing three Caucasian students to share all 81 pages of their internship booklet, enabling them to obtain their diplomas. These instances highlight potential disparities in the treatment of different students.
A Call for Change:
Gabriel’s journey with AHRC represents a complex and challenging battle for justice in the face of discrimination. His story underscores the importance of a transparent and equitable process for addressing discrimination allegations, especially for immigrants who may already face significant obstacles in their new home. But Gabrielhas never let adversities hold him back, so his story serves as a call for a more inclusive and supportive society where the contributions of immigrants are just as valued as the locals.
Gabriel’s fight for justice continues through his petition, which seeks to address the inequalities he has faced. Without his diploma, Gabriel cannot obtain Australian citizenship like his peers, making it crucial to support his cause.
