In 2022, CBC News interviewed four Black Canadian students, shedding light on the pervasive issue of discrimination in schools. One poignant story came from Lidia Tewodros, a Grade 11 student who excelled in English and had a high reading level. Despite her accomplishments, Lidia was placed in an ESL (English as a Second Language) class simply because of her accent and immigrant background. This unfair treatment left her frustrated, revealing the deep-seated racial biases that continue to shape educational experiences for Black students in Canada.
Discrimination in schools is a significant issue that demands urgent attention due to its profound and lasting effects on Black students. Such biases damage self-confidence, reduce academic motivation, and foster a sense of exclusion during formative years. This treatment often leads to higher dropout rates and impacts students’ career choices and opportunities as adults. The effects ripple outward, influencing mental health, professional achievement, and community participation. Over time, these experiences collectively erode the potential and resilience of individuals within the Black community, fundamentally shaping the quality of future generations. Addressing these systemic issues is essential for fostering equity, empowerment, and a sense of belonging that benefits society as a whole.
Key Inequities Impacting Black Students
Biased Academic Streaming
Many Black students face the unjust practice of being placed in lower-level courses or programs, like ESL or non-academic tracks, despite high performance. This stifles their academic growth; limits access to future opportunities and sends a harmful message about their capabilities. Lidia Tewodros’ story exemplifies academic streaming, where despite her high English proficiency, she was placed in an ESL class due to her accent and immigrant background. This misplacement reflects broader systemic biases that limit academic and career pathways for many Black students.
Stereotyping and Microaggressions
Black students often navigate the classroom under the shadow of stereotypes that label them as disruptive or less capable, even when they actively participate in discussions. We have heard stories of high-achieving students who, despite answering questions confidently, were frequently met with dismissive remarks or an assumption of attitude. Such microaggressions chip away at self-worth over time. Another common experience is the singling out of Black students for group behavior, when an entire class is noisy, but the reprimand falls disproportionately on them. This leads to feelings of isolation, suppresses their voice, and discourages future engagement, eroding trust and motivation in the educational environment.
The subtle nature of these actions often leaves students struggling with whether to speak up, fearing more severe consequences of being misunderstood. These daily interactions build a narrative where Black students internalize that their contributions are unwanted, influencing their participation in academics and later in their professional lives.
Disciplinary Disparities
Disciplinary disparities in schools are a significant concern, as Black students in Canada are often subject to harsher disciplinary actions for behaviors that do not result in similar consequences for their peers. This issue contributes to the school-to-prison pipeline, where students are subjected to excessive punishments, which not only affects their education but also their futures. In numerous reports, Black students have been disciplined more severely for minor infractions that, if committed by non-Black students, might not even result in a warning. These disciplinary actions can include suspensions or expulsions for seemingly small offenses, such as speaking out of turn or being involved in minor classroom disruptions, behaviors that typically wouldn’t lead to such severe consequences for other students.
The core of this issue isn’t to downplay the seriousness of student misbehavior, nor to excuse actions that disrupt the learning environment. Rather, our focus is on ensuring that disciplinary measures are consistent and fair for all students, regardless of their racial background. When Black students face harsher consequences for minor infractions, it isn’t just a matter of unequal treatment, it’s about perpetuating a system that imposes a higher standard of behavior on them, while others are allowed more leniency. Research, such as that conducted by the Ontario Human Rights Commission, highlights these disparities, showing that Black students face disproportionate disciplinary measures compared to their peers, and that these actions are often influenced by racial bias. This creates an environment where the potential for Black students is stunted, and their future paths are unnecessarily obstructed by a biased educational system.
Cultural Exclusion and Curriculum Gaps
For many Black students in Canada, the educational experience can feel like a journey of cultural exclusion. The curriculum in many schools often overlooks the contributions of Black Canadians, leaving students feeling disconnected from both their heritage and their own learning. Historically, discussions on Canadian history have largely centered around European settlers, with limited focus on the diverse cultures that have shaped the nation, including the vital role of Black Canadians. Black students, as a result, frequently find themselves in classrooms where their history is glossed over or entirely absent. In fact, students have expressed frustration over learning materials that barely mention key events, figures, or movements in Black Canadian history, making them feel invisible and underrepresented.
However, recent changes show a promising shift in how Black history is being integrated into the Canadian curriculum. Several provinces, including Ontario and Nova Scotia, have taken significant steps by incorporating Black Canadian history into their school programs. In Ontario, for example, the province’s decision to make Black history a mandatory part of the curriculum in elementary and secondary schools is a groundbreaking move. This change ensures that students will learn about the Black experience in Canada, from the legacy of the Underground Railroad to the contributions of trailblazers like Viola Desmond and the impact of the Black community on the development of the nation.
The inclusion of Black history in the curriculum is more than just an academic shift; it’s a powerful tool for empowerment. It provides Black students with role models who look like them, histories that reflect their lived experiences, and stories of resilience that they can relate to. This sense of representation is not only crucial for their identity but can also boost self-esteem and foster pride in their heritage. Moreover, such educational reforms can also promote greater understanding and empathy among non-Black students, helping to challenge stereotypes and combat racism.
As these changes are implemented, we can expect to see not only positive educational outcomes for Black students but also a broader cultural shift toward acceptance and understanding across the entire school system.
What Needs to Change
Implementing Culturally Responsive Teaching
School boards should train educators in culturally responsive teaching practices that acknowledge and value the diverse backgrounds of their students. This helps create an inclusive learning environment where all students feel seen and respected, enhancing engagement and academic achievement.
Revamping Disciplinary Policies
Adopting restorative justice practices instead of punitive disciplinary measures can significantly reduce the disproportionate impact on Black students. This approach emphasizes conflict resolution, accountability, and community building rather than punishment.
Equitable Access to Advanced Programs
Schools need to develop unbiased, data-driven methods for identifying and supporting students for participation in AP, IB, and other advanced courses. Providing additional preparatory resources and outreach efforts can ensure that more Black students have a fair chance to excel academically.
Strengthening Community Partnerships
Collaborating with local non-profits, community organizations, and families is crucial for supporting the academic and social well-being of Black students. Community programs can offer mentorship, extracurricular activities, and academic support that schools may lack.
Curriculum Reform
School boards should revise curricula to include Black history and the stories of other marginalized communities in meaningful ways. When students see themselves and their heritage represented, it fosters a stronger sense of identity and pride.
Conclusion
Addressing the systemic issues facing Black students in Canadian schools demands more than surface-level solutions; it requires a bold, multi-dimensional strategy rooted in genuine commitment to equity and inclusion.
The time has come for schools to prioritize not only academic success but also the well-being and identity of all students, ensuring that no child feels invisible in the classroom. Policy reforms, such as the inclusion of Black history in the curriculum, are an essential first step, but they must be accompanied by comprehensive teacher training, community engagement, and institutional accountability.
