'How could you take 'anti-black racism' out of an anti-racism policy?'

Black community shocked, angered by changes made to Durham Catholic board's policy

Thestar.com
July 12, 2022

Members of the Black community are slamming a recent move by Durham Catholic District School Board trustees to remove definitions and wording from a new anti-racism policy.

The policy approved by trustees on May 9 removed many definitions that had originally appeared in the draft version of the document including: anti-Black racism, colonialism, white supremacy, microaggression, reparation, intersectionality and restorative justice.

Some trustees and members of the public raised concerns that the definitions were too reflective of critical race theory.

Roxanne Francis, a local social worker, psychotherapist and equity consultant whose children attend a DCDSB school, says she is shocked and angered by the situation.

“What is says to me is my children are not safe in your board,” she says. “If they experience racism from a student or a teacher or a member of the administration, there is no sound policy that protects them.”

Francis, who wrote a column for byblacks.com outlining her concerns with the amended policy, wants to see more training for trustees and board staff.

“What we are realizing is that, while organizations are trying to make the change, for some it’s a change of substance and for others it's performative. The trustees, and by extension the school board, are really showing which camp they’re in.”

Ellinore Grant was considering enrolling her daughter in kindergarten at the DCDSB for the coming school year. She is now hesitant and considering the French Catholic board.

“How could you take 'anti-black racism' out of an anti-racism policy? As a Black family, what does this say to us when we see that these words have been removed from the policy? It says ‘we don’t think your experiences matter.’” she says. “How can I, as a mother, feel confident putting my young child in this environment?”

Concerns are also being shared widely on social media.

Trustees referred questions about the community's reaction to board chair Morgan Ste. Marie.

“Ultimately, it is our duty and vocation to serve the needs of our students, especially those who are more vulnerable,” Ste. Marie said in a statement. “To do this, we need to listen carefully to the voices in our community and thoughtfully discern our way forward. We are grateful for the continued conversations that we hope will guide the decision-making process and our relationship with the community.”

In addition to removing definitions, trustees also voted to remove a paragraph from the draft policy that said the board “recognizes the presence of biases, barriers, and power dynamics that have historically excluded Black and racialized students and staff. It is important to acknowledge the legacy of colonialism and the role of white supremacy in systemically embedding racism, and allowing practices and approaches rooted in dominant culture to reinforce the prioritization of privileged voices, concerns, potentials and achievements over others.”

At the board’s May policy committee meeting, trustees committed to further reviewing the anti-racism policy in fall 2022.

Ste. Marie said work is underway to “engage in third-party facilitated conversation to build better understanding and inform the decision-making process.”