March 21st, 2021 is the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. In the Toronto District School Board, we will begin to mark the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on Friday March 19, 2021.
The TDSB is committed to standing up against discrimination and acts of racism in all its forms. This includes anti-Black racism, anti-Indigenous racism, anti-Asian racism, antisemitism and xenophobia, whenever and wherever they occur. Now, more than ever, we need to work together, as a staff, students and families, to build a more just and inclusive world for all of us.
This year to honor the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the United Nations has chosen its theme, “Youth Standing Up Against Racism” using the hashtag, #FightRacism, which aims to foster a global culture of anti-discrimination and calls on each and every one of us to stand up against racial injustice.
“Racism remains painfully present in our society and, as a result, in our school communities,” says Director of Education, Karen Falconer. “At the TDSB, we are deeply committed to the collective and individual work that is required to identify, interrupt, address and report all incidents of racism and discrimination in our classrooms and schools. This is an essential step in our commitments to ensure an inclusive and equitable teaching and learning environment for all.”
Marking days such as these within the TDSB shows our participation in pushing for a global culture of equality and increased tolerance. By showing our support, we are showing the world we as an education system stand proudly with those fighting racial injustice in their own backyards and as well as our own.
“Standing up against racism, and all forms of hate, is something that should be supported in every aspect of our lives. This is just one step, in a multitude of steps, toward a better future for ourselves and our children fighting for a world that honours inclusion, equity, anti-discrimination and self-determination,” says Alexander Brown, Chair of the Board.
Now, more than ever, we need to work together, as a staff, students and families, to build a more just and inclusive world for all of us and our youth are helping spearhead this movement.
“With the TDSB recognizing the importance of this day it shows students the board’s dedication to creating the best possible space for students free of racial injustices. We have a long way to go, but it’s up to us to make the difference,” added Firdaus Shallo, Student Trustee.
The TDSB continues to strive to combat discrimination and oppression while engaging in learning to build awareness about racism, bias, power and privilege, as well as advocacy and allyship.
On March 19th, follow @tdsb on Twitter to see how schools across the district are marking this important day.