PEEL DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
School Board approved the most comprehensive Anti-Racism Policy ever announced by a school board in Ontario

The Peel District School Board (PDSB) approved the most comprehensive Anti-Racism Policy ever announced by a school board in Ontario at its June board meeting.

The series of actions being taken by PDSB to eliminate racism include using metrics to benchmark and dismantle the practices, procedures, policies and behaviors which produced racialized education disparities. This policy will continue to create an education system that better reflects and serves an increasingly diverse student population while disrupting all forms of systemic racial discrimination.

"At the heart of the policy is community voice. To ensure better learning and well-being outcomes for all students and their families, PDSB remains committed in creating an equitable, anti-racist, anti-oppressive and inclusive learning environment," said Rashmi Swarup, Director of Education for PDSB. "This Anti-Racism Policy establishes ongoing accountability and transparency for the board's leadership - now and in the future."

The PDSB Anti-Racism Policy was developed with community, staff and the Ontario Human Rights Commission. The robust consultation included over 2000 participants.  The development of this policy is aligned to the requirements set out by the Ministry of Education and fulfills Directive 16 of the 27 Directives. The policy is in accordance with the stated objectives of the Board's Human Rights Policy, Safe and Accepting School and the PDSB Discriminatory Slurs/Statements.

This policy will lead to better outcomes, mitigate racialized outcomes and address systemic inequities by:

• Collecting data to inform issues at PDSB this includes bullying, suspensions as well as other issues including engagement, well-being and school environment.
• Advancing the promotion of cultural safety and inclusive learning for all students with a culturally responsive curriculum.
• Providing intensive training to all those with teaching responsibilities and promoting racially responsive leadership.
• Actively ensuring diversity and inclusion in its hiring, teacher training, promotion and leadership.
• Having learning materials that reflect diverse student experiences and are racially sensitive.
• Establishing a transparent complaint resolution process.

Also tabled was the Black Student Success Strategy. These companion documents acknowledge, accept and act on the PDSB's moral and legal responsibility to create and sustain environments free from racism, racial discrimination, harassment and microaggressions.The Black Student Success Strategy provides guidelines and actions to eliminate anti-black racism from its operations, resources, staffing and leadership.

Camille Logan, Associate Director said of the ongoing work, "These are the foundational elements to deal with the urgency of change with a focus on anti-racist, anti-oppressive learning environments, race equity, and the mitigation of racialized student outcomes."

View the PDSB Anti-Racism Policy 

Learn more about the PDSB Black Student Success Strategy