Following numerous local protests against police violence and systemic racism, a London-area school board is taking steps to address those community concerns in its schools.
At an upcoming meeting on June 23, the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) is slated to debate the development of an anti-black racism/anti-racism strategy to guide its members and the student curriculum. The motion was initially set to be discussed on Tuesday, but it was deferred a week.
The motion will call for the board to develop its strategy through extensive consultation including engaging with students, parents/guardians, and other stakeholders. The final recommendations will include the board's objectives, desired outcomes, and an expected timeline for meeting the objectives. The motion states that the board will hear all recommendations no later than June 2021.
"We, the Board of Trustees, have heard from the community through the June 6 rally in Victoria Park, demonstrations in other TVDSB communities and protests at the board office that real action is needed on anti-black racism, racism in schools, equitable hiring practices and reflective curriculum," the board said in its motion. "Indigenous peoples have continuously faced issues of systemic discrimination and increased violence that require our acknowledgement at a system level. The deaths of black people and Indigenous peoples are a result of a network of oppressive institutions in which the education system plays a role."
The board also intends to establish an inclusivity advisory committee and a student equity and advisory committee to aid in the development of the strategy. The board said it will be a priority to ensure the committees reflect the demographics of the schools' student body. Both committees will be consulted on policies, programs and initiatives such as curriculum changes, dress codes, and disciplinary actions.
The board's motion asks that the Policy Working Committee examine the school board's relationship with police officers at its schools. The committee would consult students, staff, and community members on their feelings and experiences with School Resource Officers and police presence in local schools.
The motion also states that the board will examine the practice of collecting student data on grade, race, language, disability, sex, gender, Indigeneity, and socioeconomic status.
"This data could be used to assess, evaluate and report on progress towards improving outcomes for all students," the board stated in its motion.
If passed, the motion also states that the board will commit to having its trustees, teachers, administrators, staff and students undergo anti-racism and anti-oppression training.
As well, the members of the board and staff will be instructed to send a letter to the Minister of Education encouraging the revision of the curriculum to better incorporate black and Indigenous histories.
