Ontario Min of Education calls for immediate action to confront racism

#OntarioEducation; #Anti-Black racism#PDSB; #Investigation; #OntarioEducationAct

News release

​Toronto, Jun 8 (Canadian-Media): Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, issued June 8 the following statement regarding Ms. Arleen Huggins' investigation report on the Peel District School Board (PDSB).

Stephen Lecce. Image credit: Twitter handle

"We are determined to confront all forms of racism, discrimination, and hate, against all minority communities in our province.  For too long, too many kids have been left behind due to systemic frameworks that perpetuate racism. This is unacceptable and must change. 

That is why in November of 2019, I swiftly ordered an investigation into the PDSB, following serious allegations of racism.

To ensure compliance with my direction, on April 27, I appointed Arleen Huggins - a lawyer and human rights advocate - to investigate the PDSB's capacity to comply with my directions. I have now received Ms. Huggins' report and would like to thank her for her effective and principled work. Her report reveals the need for real change within this board and provides a necessary component to ensuring these issues are addressed immediately and effectively.

Most troubling, her report finds that certain directions have not been complied with, and moreover, that the PDSB lacks the capacity to provide good governance in the interests of all students of the board and to effectively carry out its responsibilities to oversee and ensure proper compliance with my directions.

As outlined in the Education Act, I am required to provide a final opportunity for compliance from the Board. My expectation is clear: the Board must change, or I will take further action. We cannot and will not sit idle, while families and students continue to feel isolated, victimized, and targeted.

It is clear that we must continue our work to confront racism - specifically anti-Black racism - within our schools across the province. Our Government will continue to drive change, demand improvement, and stand-up for students who face hate and racism."

Quick Facts

• On November 27, 2019, the Minister of Education directed an expedited review of the PDSB to address serious concerns about anti-Black racism and systemic inequities, leadership and governance dysfunction; and unfair human resources practices within the board.
• The Review Team conducted an extensive consultation between December 2019 and February 2020 which included interviews, community and student consultation sessions, and written submissions.
• Based on the Reviewers' Report and Recommendations, the Minister issued 27 binding Directions to the PDSB on March 13, 2020.
• On April 27, 2020 the Minister of Education appointed Arleen Huggins to conduct an investigation of the PDSB to examine the Board's compliance with the Minister's binding Directions issued on March 13, 2020.
• Ms. Huggins submitted her report to the Minister on May 18, 2020.
• Under the Education Act the Minister may give directions to the PDSB to address any evidence of non-compliance or potential non-compliance disclosed in the Investigator’s report.
• On June 8, 2020, the Minister provided a direction to the PDSB in response to the Investigator’s report. The Board is required to demonstrate to the Minister’s satisfaction that the members of the Board can sustainably work together, and with the senior management team, to provide good governance in the interests of all students of the PDSB. This direction requires that the Board provide the Minister with a with a plan to address the key findings in Ms. Huggins’ report. This direction must be met by June 22, 2020.