Black list was wrong. TDSB is committed to confronting racism
Last month, students and parents — and the rest of Toronto via the ensuing media coverage — became aware of the creation of a list of Black students at Etobicoke School of the Arts.
As director of education of the Toronto District School Board, I want to explain why it was the wrong approach to a problem that, as a school system, we must continue to address.
We are working with every school community to confront racism and all forms of marginalization and oppression. Over time, data collected reflects the need for us as a system to urgently engage in this work — not at some time in the future, but right now.
The data clearly shows that we as a system are not serving racialized students, and in particular Black students, in the ways we need to in all our schools. In recent months, we have been trying to confront this head on and support students in new ways. Each school must now have an equity goal, one which asks all staff to reflect on what we, as adults, might need to change/learn in order to create equitable opportunities for all students. This work is challenging, but worthy of our continued efforts.
At Etobicoke School of the Arts, a mistake was made that has hurt students and their families. It should never have happened. Both the principal and I recognize that what happened was wrong. I am very sorry for what has happened and I will take responsibility to ensure that all school leaders are supported to do this important work effectively.
As a system, we are taking this matter very seriously and are accepting responsibility for it. I don’t agree with those who call for the principal’s resignation. I don’t want this principal to resign. I want this principal and all principals to have access to the supports, the training and strategies to take leadership roles in combating racism and improving the achievement and well-being of all students — especially those who we have traditionally underserved.
Racism toward Black people is a reality in our society and in our institutions and in order to confront that reality, we must critically examine our systems and struc- ture while providing learning for all staff in human rights and antiracism.
We have set high expectations, but should a mistake be made, we will do everything in our power to address it, learn from it and be better than we were before. And while learning, we must continue to support principals, teachers and all staff to engage in this essential work.
Clearly there are systemic issues that need to be confronted and that is why we are working hard to identify and tackle these issues. That is our firm commitment to the communities we serve.