Ontario Human Rights Commission is Calling for Written Submissions to Develop an Action Plan to Tackle Anti-Black Racism in Education

TORONTO — The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has reached an important milestone with the release of its What We Heard Report on anti-Black racism in Ontario’s publicly-funded education system.

The OHRC is now calling for written submissions to identify concrete and practical solutions to combat anti-Black racism and hold duty-holders accountable.

The report summarizes key themes from two days of roundtable discussions with students and duty-holders in the education sector on how to address systemic discrimination in Ontario’s publicly funded education system.

The report and a Compendium of Recommendations, a compilation of reports over seven decades, are available to help guide submissions that will inform the development of recommendations.

Visit ohrc.on.ca to learn how to send in your submissions. Written submissions will be accepted until September 30, 2023, with community engagements taking place this summer and fall.

The OHRC is committed to creating an environment where all stakeholders and partners can contribute to the collective goal of tackling anti-Black racism in Ontario's public education system. The OHRC will continue to work in collaboration with all parties to improve opportunities and outcomes for students disproportionately affected by discrimination in Ontario.

Quick Facts

• The OHRC held roundtable discussions in April 2023 with Black Anglophone and Francophone students and duty-holders in the education sector to hear directly from them on solutions to address anti-Black racism in education.
• The Compendium of Recommendations comprises 83 reports spanning seven decades (1948 to 2023) that highlights the existence and impact of anti-Black racism in education on students, families, and communities. With over 190 recommendations identified, this compendium aims to provide historical context, educate the public, and fuel productive dialogue.
• Submissions from the public, stakeholders and interest groups will inform an Action Plan to be released in Spring 2024.

Learn More

• Call for Submissions
• What We Heard
• Compendium of Recommendations
• Anti-Black Racism in Education: Engagement Guide
• Read more about OHRC’s Anti-Black Racism in Education initiatives

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Media contact:

Nick Lombardi – Senior Strategic Communications Advisor
Ontario Human Rights Commission
Email: nick.lombardi@ohrc.on.ca