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Toronto District School Board

Addressing Hate and Geopolitical Tensions within Ontario's Schools

Wednesday September 11, 2024
Categories: Advocacy

September 11, 2024

 

The Honourable Jill Dunlop
Minister of Education

438 University Avenue, 5th Floor

Toronto, ON M7A 1N3

 

 

Dear Minister Dunlop,

 

On behalf of the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), we are writing to follow up on our previous communications regarding the urgent need for a comprehensive and unified approach to addressing hate and geopolitical tensions within Ontario's schools.

 

As previously outlined in a letter dated November 30, 2023, the TDSB fully supports the Ontario Human Rights Commission's call for a province-wide anti-hate strategy. Our correspondence on April 5, 2024, highlighted our Board’s motion to establish provincial reporting standards and the development of a tool for data collection to better address incidents of hate and racism. Unfortunately, alarming incidents of hate continue to impact our schools and wider communities, unfortunately reflecting a broader, disturbing trend across Ontario, Canada, and worldwide. The original motion as passed by our Board of Trustees on August 28, 2024, is included for your reference.

 

Considering these pressing issues, we respectfully request that the Ministry of Education to undertake the following actions as soon as possible:

  1. Development of a Working Definition and Policy/ Program Memorandum (PPM)

  • Definition of Hate

Develop a clear and comprehensive working definition of hate or hate activity for Ontario schools. This definition should address concerns about growing antisemitism and other forms of hate, ensuring that it is available for use for the 2024-25 school year.

  • Policy/Program Memorandum (PPM)
    Collaborate with the Ontario Human Rights Commission, Unions and Associations, the Ministry of the Solicitor General, the Ontario College of Teachers, and the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association to develop a PPM. This memorandum should outline a consistent approach for school boards in managing student, teacher, and staff activities related to broader geopolitical conflicts, thereby fostering safe and welcoming school environments. The PPM should emphasize the values of democracy, human rights, respect for diverse identities, and the professionalism of staff.

  1. Training and Resources for Teachers and Staff

  • Training Initiatives
    Initiate comprehensive training and learning programs for staff and teachers to effectively navigate geopolitical tensions within the classroom and school. This training should be developed in close collaboration with Unions and Associations.

  • Resource Development
    Ensure that resources are designed to help staff navigate geopolitical conflicts affecting students, comply with the Anti-Racism Act, 2017, and align with Ontario Human Rights Commission obligations. Additionally, make human rights training mandatory for Directors, Trustees, Superintendents, and all school board staff starting in the 2024-25 school year.

  1. Revision of the Ontario Curriculum

  • Revise the Ontario Curriculum as soon as possible, in consultation with education partners, to include civics education at all grade levels. This revision should aim to enhance students’ knowledge, skills, and understanding of diverse lived experiences, and foster critical thinking and cultural fluency necessary for engaged and responsible citizenship.

These actions are critical to ensuring that our schools are inclusive, respectful, and conducive to the development of well-rounded and empathetic students. We believe that with the Ministry’s leadership and collaboration, we can make significant strides in addressing these challenges and upholding the values that are fundamental to our education system.

 

Thank you for your attention to these urgent matters. We look forward to your response and are hopeful for a continued partnership in addressing these critical issues.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Neethan Shan                                                                 Colleen Russell-Rawlins
Acting Chair, Toronto District School Board                    Director of Education