“I wholeheartedly support the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s Action Plan, particularly its focus on fostering an equitable, discrimination-free environment within Ontario’s publicly funded education system. This initiative is critical in ensuring that Black educators and administrators can work with dignity, free from systemic barriers, bias, and harassment.
Having dedicated over 30 years to education as a Black educator in Ontario, I have witnessed firsthand both the progress made and the persistent challenges that remain. While steps have been taken, the reality is that systemic anti-Black racism continues to impact Black students and educators alike. A truly inclusive school system must actively address these disparities, ensuring that all educators and students feel valued, supported, and empowered.
This action plan is a bold and necessary step in that direction. Let us stand together in championing its implementation, recognizing that real change requires collective commitment, accountability, and unwavering support.”
The Hon. Dr. Jean Augustine
Dear Chief Commissioner DeGuire,
I strongly endorse the objectives and strategies outlined in this Action Plan. A commitment to accountability, transparency, monitoring, and student well-being is essential to ensuring that Black students and educators thrive in equitable, discrimination-free environments.
By addressing disparities in achievement and career advancement, this plan fosters deep inclusion, fairness, and opportunity. Education must empower all students to reach their full potential, and I fully support these measures to create lasting, meaningful change in Ontario’s publicly funded education system.
Sincerely,
Dr. Donette Chin-Loy Chang
Communications Leader and Philanthropist
"Disproportionately high suspension rates and persistently low graduation rates serve as stark indicators of systemic inequities facing Black students within the education system. Similarly, Black educators and administrators encounter systemic barriers that impede their entry and professional advancement.
The Ontario Human Rights Commission's (OHRC) Action Plan on Systemic Anti-Black Racism and Discrimination in Ontario’s Public Education System is a welcome step towards addressing these critical issues. These actions and related practices are in alignment with the OCDSB’s Roadmap Compass to transform the narratives, access, opportunities and outcomes in its learning and workplace culture to be bias aware and discrimination free so that Black students and staff can reach their highest potential."
Jacqueline Lawrence, Equity Advisor
Ottawa Carleton District School Board
"The Ontario Human Rights Commission (commission)- Action Plan on addressing systemic anti-Black racism and discrimination in Ontario’s public education system is an essential and necessary resource to assist us in understanding, challenging and deconstructing ideologies tied to the current manifestation of anti-Black racism occurring in classrooms and schools.
In 2021, the Toronto District School Board’s Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement was created through strong community voices and years of activism. The Centre of Excellence was developed with the mission to dismantle anti-Black racism within an educational setting. The commission's Action Plan honors this mission as it provides additional guidance on ways this intentional work can continue to take place.
The commission’s action plan encourages the diverse Black communities, educational leaders, educators and students, to explore the various ways to improve the conditions that lead to academic success, engagement and a strong sense of belonging for Black students. Building a strong sense of belonging and a positive well-being is critical for both students and educators. Through the take up of these recommendations and actions we can begin to see a pathway for a better future."
Karen Murray, System Superintendent
Toronto District School Board
"This comprehensive Anti-Black Racism and Discrimination in Education (ABRDiE) Action Plan is a necessary and welcomed initiative, strengthened by clear accountability measures and embedded transparency. It is imperative that school boards, governing bodies, and the ministry adopt and implement this plan with urgency and commitment. Systemic change requires sustained, meaningful action—not performative gestures."
Natasha Shakespeare, President
Parents Against Racism Simcoe County