Southwestern Ontario's largest school board will spend the next year developing an anti-Black racism strategy.
The Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) announced the plan at a Black History Month reception held at the board’s education centre on Monday.
“As a school board, it is our responsibility not only to educate future generations about the continued importance of Black history, but also to take immediate and sustained action against anti-Black racism in our schools and workplaces,” TVDSB Education Director Mark Fisher said in a statement. “I am proud to announce that work is underway on an anti-Black racism strategy for the Thames Valley District School Board, which will outline the concrete and measurable actions we will take as a board to make Thames Valley more welcoming for Black students, families, and staff.”
Black-identifying students, parents, caregivers, and community members will be able to provide input into the development of the strategy.
Dr. Nicole Kaniki, the director of equity, diversity and inclusion consulting firm Senomi Solutions Inc., has been tapped to help the board reach Black community members as well as develop the overall strategy.
The board plans to release the new strategy next February.
