BY PAUL JUNOR
The release of the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s report, “Dreams Delayed: Addressing Systemic Anti-Black Racism in Ontario’s Public Education System” has provoked widespread responses. One of the teachers’ unions that has responded to this report was the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO). It issued a press release on Wednesday, March 27th, 2025, which outlined its position. There was also a joint press release issued by the Ontario Teacher Federation and its Affiliates.
ETFO has been at the forefront of calls to tackle anti-Black racism within education over the years. It acknowledges that there is still a lot of work to be done to ensure that the diverse stakeholders are held accountable for their part to ensure there is an inclusive, equitable, and just public education system. ETFO has engaged in initiatives such as:
- Creating Black education leadership programs to foster representation and mentorship
- Launching a public campaign to recruit more Black educators
- Developing various professional learning workshops
- Developing classroom resources
- Providing financial support, including incentive funding for locals, awards and scholarships for aspiring Black educators
- Hosting the “Generation Black: You’re Next Symposium on Addressing Anti-Black Racism in Education.”
“EFTO is supportive of OHRC’s call to address Anti-Black racism and Discrimination”
There was also a response by the advocacy group Parents of Black Children (PoBC) Canada in a press release issued on Thursday; March 28th, 2025. It highlights the historical background in the fight for educational justice and the years of activism and advocacy by groups. It notes, “While this marks an important step forward for our community, it is the result of decades of tireless advocacy and unwavering calls to action from Black community organizations and activists, especially those who came before us and dedicated their lives to fighting for the rights and well-being for Black children and communities. The recommendations in this plan echo demands that have been raised for over fifty years, with roots tracing back to the 1960s.”
A joint statement was released by the Ontario Teacher Federation and its Affiliates on Thursday, March 27th, 2025, stating that they “Are encouraged by the research and community work conducted by the OHRC to understand and address anti-Black racism in education. Anti-Black racism had been experienced by students, communities, and education workers for generations. Anti-Black racism is fueled by race-based bias and prejudice that has insidiously infiltrates policies and processes to perpetuate a culture of schooling that prevents Black students from experiencing the full promise and benefits of publicly funded education in Ontario.”
The press release calls for clarity on the role they play as it helps set realistic expectations of the legal power to bring about system-level change. Without this clarity, there is a risk of the report’s call for action becoming another failed attempt to improve the experience of: Black educators, Black students, and their families within the educational system.
Charline Grant, Chief Executive Officer states, “For this action plan to be real, lasting change, the Ontario Human Rights Commission must hold the Ministry of Education and all duty holders accountable equally. The OHRC must play a central role in this process, creating a transparent framework for accountability. Moreover, a dedicated space for meaningful community involvement is essential, and Black advocacy groups must be fully: supported, protected, funded, and resourced to hold institutions accountable for their actions.”
