Province seeks public input on ways to combat racism
Minister consults community groups; recommendations to be ready this fall
Education Minister David Eggen wants the public to weigh in on guidelines to combat racism and promote diversity in schools.
Eggen began talking with community organizations back in July, after Premier Rachel Notley tasked him with developing a strategy to quash racism in Alberta.
His summer assignment was to consult with community groups, look at what has worked in other places, and hand in a set of recommendations this fall.
Eggen has met with more than 60 organizations so far, gathering their ideas and discussing the challenges they face.
He said Monday that he has attended meetings in Edmonton, Red Deer and Calgary and plans to make visits to Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, Medicine Hat and Lethbridge.
He also launched a public survey so all Albertans can give their twocents worth.
Standing on the steps of the legislative building in Edmonton on Monday, flanked by members of multicultural groups he has already consulted, Eggen said an escalation of race-based events in Europe, the United States and here in Alberta underlines the urgency of the situation.
He has been given a fair amount of latitude in developing the guidelines, he said.
“This isn’t just for people to tolerate each other, but to understand and have acceptance,” he said.
“We don’t want a report that sits on the shelf. We want to take immediate action on it and set a direction.”
With the start of the new school year just days away, Eggen also wrote to schools and boards asking for their help.
He encouraged students to set up an assembly or other school events celebrating inclusivity. He asked teachers and administrators to consider inviting various community members into schools to lead diversity discussions with students.
“The events we have seen recently in places like Charlottesville and right here in Alberta have the power to shake our faith in one another,” he wrote.
“Now, more than ever, it’s important that we stand together and stand up to hate.”
In his letter to schools, Eggen also took a dig at people in positions of power and influence who remain silent in the face of “things that are clearly wrong.”
“In Alberta, we have seen examples where individuals want to promote hate and try to disrupt the very social fabric that makes Alberta a great place to live and raise a family,” he wrote.
“We must work together towards a common goal of ending racism,” he continued.