Cautious optimism expressed by Black community advocates in response to new anti-racism policy of the Peel District School Board

BY PAUL JUNOR

The release of the new anti-racism policy by the Peel District School Board (PDSB), which was approved by its Board of Trustees on June 22^nd, 2022, is greeted with caution.

It was revealed that Bruce Rodrigues approved it, Supervisor of the PDSB and an operational procedure is currently underway. Yonnette Dey, System Superintendent of Equity, Community Leadership and Engagement acknowledges at the June 22^nd, Board meeting that the voices of Indigenous, Black and racialized communities were central in the formulation of the new policy. She states that it includes, “Accountability measures that foster inclusive, safe learning cultures, and working environments across PDSB”

Idris Orughu, Executive Director of Advocacy for Peel acknowledges that there has been pushback against some of the ministry directives. He states, “We need people who believe in the work and say, ‘We want to do this not only because we have been mandated to do it, but because it is the right thing to do’.”

The PDSB plans to:

• Collect data to inform issues like bullying and suspensions
• Advance inclusive learning with a culturally responsive curriculum
• Provide intensive training to teachers and promote racially responsive leadership
• Actively ensure diversity and inclusion in its hiring, teacher training, promotion and leadership
• Have racially sensitive learning materials and establish a transparent complaint resolution process

Kearie Daniel, Executive Director of the advocacy group, Parents of Black Children (PoBC) expressed support for the brave Black students who talked boldly and took concrete steps to ensure that change in the PDSB occurred. She notes in a statement,  “The Peel District School Board has a duty and obligation to prioritize the safety and well-being of its students. Their new policy against anti-Black racism is a step in the right direction that simply means they have work to do. Their actions moving forward determine the relevance and strength of their policy.”

She further highlights the role of the BIPOC communities with respect to their role in fighting against systemic oppression. Gail Bannister-Clarke, President of Peel Elementary Teachers’ Local (PETL) wrote in a statement, “It is due to the advocacy of Black, Indigenous and racialized community groups that we are taking tangible steps to dismantle systems of oppression. We are thankful for their tireless work. We are committed to partnering with the board to disrupt the oppressive systems that continue to exist in education and are uncompromising in our efforts to ensure safer learning and working spaces for all students and staff.”

Harinder Malhi, states that she’s “Pleased to see the PDSB has taken the first step in building inclusive learning spaces for our diverse communities.”