NDP critic for Education Marit Stiles (Davenport) and NDP critic for Anti-Racism and Chair of the NDP Black Caucus Laura Mae Lindo (Kitchener Centre) released the following statement in support of a joint statement on anti-Black racism and anti-Indigenous racism in Ontario’s education system by Toronto Youth Cabinet and allies:
“This is not a new call from community to address anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism in our schools” said Lindo. “For far too long, Black students have experienced harsher punishments, academic streaming, systemic racism and discrimination. In August, parents, students and community marched through the streets of downtown Toronto demanding the decolonization of the curriculum, police-free schools and accountability for anti-Black racism.
“It’s time the government addresses the demands of not only the Toronto Youth Cabinet and those who signed this joint statement, but every other organization and community that is demanding the same changes. The NDP Black Caucus has met with students from school boards across the province who share these same concerns about anti-Black racism and racial equity in our schools.”