As we watched in anguish this past week to the reactions of domestic and world leaders to the outcry, mass rallies, and collective anger taking the form of peaceful protests, we are shaken, in mourning, and in grief.
We know that silence equals death, which is why ETT and ETFO, together, in chorus with our labour, social justice, and community allies, stand in solidarity, with our shared sorrow and outrage, as we denounce:
- the senseless murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery in the US;
- Regis Korchinski-Paquet’s suspicious death under the eye of Toronto police in her home;
- the growing scourge of white supremacy and the leadership that encourages, permits, and perpetuates it; and
- the systemic anti-Black racism that permeates our society and has been on full display in the violent and terrifying police response to growing, peaceful protests for justice and of grief.
As educators and unionists, we have a unique and essential responsibility in standing with Black Lives Matter to fight against and dismantle anti-Black racism in our communities.
Furthermore, we must acknowledge the trauma experienced by Black educators, parents, and students and pledge to continue to find ways to care for each other and show our active allyship.
The history of police brutality, murder, and anti-Black racism is as long as it is horrifying in this country. We are stunned that a Premier would ever dare to insist that systemic anti-Black racism is not an issue in Canada. This analysis and proclamation is ignorant, appalling, and abhorrent, and such a denial must be called out and addressed head-on, en masse, in volume, and in scaffolded and strategic action.
June is Pride Month. As we take action, it is important to recognize, especially as we approach the 4th anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub Shooting on June 12, the origins of Pride as a protest and revolution against the powers of oppression. The violence in our society against Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and other people of colour, as well as Queer and Trans people, stems from the same institutional injustice, prejudice, racism, and white privilege. As educators, it is essential that we reckon with this and hold our schools boards, governments, and ourselves to account as we look towards building a just, anti-racist society.
Please review and share the ETFO recommended actions and resources on anti-Black racism, lesson plans on recognizing white privilege, and Pride materials. Members are also encouraged to read and share the Toronto & York Region Labour Council’s Equity Committee Submission to the Hearings for an Anti-Racism Directorate, of which ETT has contributed.
In Solidarity,
ETT President
Joy Lachica
ETFO Recommended Action and Resources
ETFO Action on Anti-Black Racism – Building an Inclusive School Workplace [PDF]
365 Black Canadian Curriculum
White Privilege Lesson Plans
Black Canadian Calendar
United Nations Website: International Decade for People of African Descent
Statements on Anti-Black Racism
ETFO Statement on Anti-Black Racism
Toronto & York Region Labour Council Equity Committee Submission to the Hearings for an Anti-Racism Directorate [PDF]
