March 9, 2021 -- York Region District School Board has launched the Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Strategy: Creating anti-racist and Black-affirming learning and working environments. The strategy will support the Board in its work to address incidents of anti-Black racism in all its forms, and create safer and more equitable environments for students, staff and community members. There were approximately 1300 registrants for the March 8 virtual launch event.
The strategy was developed in response to continued evidence of anti-Black racism in schools. The systemic nature of anti-Black racism requires that school boards act proactively to support greater access to education and opportunities for all students and to challenge the marginalization of Black students, staff and families.
“The Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Strategy: Creating anti-racist and Black-affirming learning and working environments, was co-developed by Black community leaders of York Region and Black staff,” said Director Louise Sirisko. “The launch of the strategy marks a coordinated effort to address anti-Black racism at the Board.”
York Region District School Board worked with external consultant Tana Turner and community organizations to develop the strategy that will be formally rolled out from 2020-2025. The Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Strategy contains seven priority areas designed to improve outcomes for Black students, staff and community members.
“YRDSB is committed to doing the necessary work to create safe, equitable and inclusive learning environments where all students, including Black students can achieve to their full potential. To this end, we also commit to continuing our work with community partners, staff and students to reduce instances of anti-Black racism and to ensure that a student’s race is not a predictor of their education outcomes,” said Superintendent Cecil Roach. “The launch of the strategy demonstrates the Board’s commitment to anti-racism, human rights and to dismantling systemic oppression at our Board.”
A copy of the full strategy is available on the Board website.
York Region District School Board is the third largest school district in Ontario with over 128,000 students in 180 elementary schools and 33 secondary schools. York Region students consistently perform above average in provincial testing and the Board is one of the top achievers in Ontario. For more information about the York Region District School Board, please visit the Board website and follow YRDSB on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.
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