This week, we have witnessed the devastating impact of anti-Black racism. Too many people and communities in the United States and in Canada continue to experience racism and injustice. The human rights and dignity of every person must be protected, and that can only be done when we individually and collectively take action to disrupt and dismantle the systems that perpetuate racism and oppression. The OCDSB commits to this work and to actively engage in the listening, learning and collaboration necessary to build a better way forward together.
The violence and attacks we are seeing raise many emotions; everyone deals with those emotions differently, based on our personal experience. For students, families, staff, and community members with lived experience with racism, these events create an increased sense of vulnerability, anger, pain, and sadness. We are a caring community and we must remember to reach out and support each other; we must acknowledge that what is happening is not okay; and we must remain committed to speaking out against racism in all its forms.
The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board has a strong commitment to equity and inclusion. We acknowledge that we have work to do within our system. As a school district, we are committed to challenging ourselves to examine privilege and question how we can make changes to eliminate racism from within our system. We are committed to creating a place where everyone has an opportunity to learn and work in spaces of respect and belonging.
Some resources that may be of interest to support learning about racism:
Kids Books that Talk about Racism - Today's Parent
NYT - Anti Racism Reading List