The Black Student Voices Matter (BSVM) project is part of the Greater Essex County District School Board's (GECDSB) Anti-Black Racism Strategy. The aim is to elicit the authentic voices of Black students attending secondary schools within the GECDSB.
The project's final report compiles interviews with students focusing on identity, school belonging, school safety, healthy relationships, wellbeing and future prospects. Findings revealed that most students interviewed felt safe at school, but felt they were not fully supported by staff when dealing with issues of racism. Most responded that there should be more Black teachers and support staff in their schools.
Recommendations
The report offers four recommendations:
- A more in-depth study consisting of a larger number of Black student participants from the elementary and secondary school levels. The study should include both quantitative and qualitative data. The qualitative data should utilize a Youth Participatory Action Research approach (YPAR).
- Provision of more resources for Black students in the form of self-identified Black staff members such as teachers, Change Your Future Counsellors and Graduation Coaches in elementary schools.
- Integration of relevant and up to date cultural and historical educational resources within teaching and the school environment.
- Mandatory continuous anti-Black racism workshops for all staff within schools and the School Board.