March 19, 2021 (Brockville, Ontario) – The Upper Canada District School Board recognizes the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination which takes place on Sunday, March 21, 2021. This day symbolizes the recognition that every individual is born free and equal in dignity and rights.
The theme for 2021 as outlined by the United Nations is “Youth standing up against racism,” and uses #FightRacism to foster a global culture of tolerance, equality and anti-discrimination. The movement calls on each person to stand up against racial prejudice and intolerant attitudes.
The UCDSB is taking steps to #FightRacism in the classroom by providing students with rich indigenous education opportunities, engaging in Black History month, making discussions about race and equity a natural occurrence and encouraging student voice.
“Advocacy is a powerful and important catalyst in the fight for racial equality. Whether people of colour or allies, using your voice is what will change systems, policies and laws. If we, as youth, commit to using our power – whether privileged or not – we can move mountains,” says UCDSB Student Trustee Tain Hughes.
As the organization reflects on its own responsibility to end racism, the school district’s Equity and Inclusion Plan plays a vital role in living out the values tied to striving to ensure the dignity and human rights of all people.
The school board is committed to living out its policies centered on anti-racism, equal access to education, bullying prevention and religious accommodation. As well, programming and professional development opportunities continue to roll out for our educators and staff to help continue to provide and promote inclusive learning environments for our students.
“It’s imperative we all play a role in better understanding racism and what’s happening within our own communities. While we’ve made efforts to bring equality and inclusiveness to each of our schools, we know we still have a long way to go,” says UCDSB Chair John McAllister, adding that the student voice is the most important one to incorporate. “I’m so impressed by how inclusive and welcoming our students are when it comes to having honest conversations and opening up dialogue about diversity and inclusivity in our schools. We can learn so much from them.”
Incoming 2021-2022 Student Trustee Eshal Ali says she’s committed to bringing that youth voice to the table, specifically when it comes to equality.
“I will promote racial equality by helping with education about anti-racism and promoting this in our schools and by making sure everyone feels included in any way possible,” she says.
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Our UCDSB students spoke up and shared their views on anti-racism and equality:
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For more information, please contact:
April Scott-Clarke
Manager of Communications, UCDSB
[email protected]