Anti-Black Racism

The Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) is committed to eliminating anti-Black racism in our schools and programs and maintaining an environment of diversity, equity and inclusive education. We aim to provide safe spaces for students and provide the tools and resources for students, families and staff to succeed without discriminatory barriers.

Response to the death of George Floyd

The death of George Floyd, a Black American citizen, in May 2020 sparked worldwide outrage over the treatment of Black individuals by systemic institutions globally. The tragic event has led to much-needed racism-based conversations and opportunities for healing for Black Canadians and opportunities for learning for non-Black Canadians.

At the GECDSB, we have a long-standing commitment to social justice education. As educators, we aim to provide our students with safe spaces to learn and process traumatic events with their peers and school communities. As a response to Mr. Floyd's death, our Board issued a renewed Statement and Commitment to Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion and Anti-Black Racism.

Black Student Voices Matter

Our Black Student Voices Matter project includes recommendations and results from student interviews focusing on identity, school belonging, school safety, healthy relationships, wellbeing and future prospects.

Mental health impacts of anti-Black racism

It can be difficult to assess how children and youth are coping with challenges and racism. It is important to create safe spaces to allow them to discuss what they are feeling and experiencing. Discussing a traumatic incident or witnessing incidents of anti-Black racism can evoke strong emotions. As a parent or caregiver, being a supportive, kind and caring adult can have a positive effect on students.

When discussing anti-Black racism with a child or youth, remember the following tips:

Recognize that young people may have a different reaction to traumatic events based on their own lived experiences and identities.
Listen and allow young people to express whatever they are feeling in a safe place, without judgement.
Comparing anti-Black racism and other forms of oppression with your own personal experiences is not appropriate. The focus should always be on listening.
Regularly practice your own self-care to better provide support to others.
Use Books for Littles as a guide when talking about race

In addition, all GECDSB staff should follow these guidelines in a school environment:

If you have a concern for a student's mental health, contact your school administrator.
Use the social support staff that have been assigned to your school to assist.
Use the resources listed on this page to help in your response.
Ask yourself the following in relation to a current incident of anti-Black racism:
- How are you personally doing?
- What has been your exposure to TV and social media about the incident?
- How comfortable are you in talking about anti-Black racism and being a supportive ally? How can you educate yourself to be comfortable?
- Is this a deeply lived personal experience or is it new to you?

Mental health supports

If you have a concern about a young person's mental health, you can reach out to our Mental Health Support Services and Community Programs. Our staff are available for consultation and counselling on any mental health need for students, including supporting students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

You can also find community-based and culturally relevant mental health supports, such as: