Peel District School Board extends an apology to community leader Idris Orughu

BY PAUL JUNOR

As the Peel District School Board steers a new path under new leadership, there is much hope and expectations. The embattled board has had its ups and downs over the years, and it has started the school year by apologizing to community leader, advocate and parent Idris Orughu on Wednesday, September 23rd, 2020.

It was on March 9th, 2020 that the PDSB issued a trespass notice to Idris because he supposedly, “Engaged in disrespectful communication towards members of the board of trustees on February 11th, 2020, and made harassing and threatening comment on February 25th, 2020 to members of the board of trustees.” This apparently required the intervention of Peel Regional Police. At no time was he informed about the allegations and the Peel Regional Police did not charge him. Idris maintained that no one heard him make any threats during the community board meeting.

The letter of apology to Mr Orughu dated September 23rd, 2020 by Interim Supervisor, Bruce Rodrigues is titled, “Peel District School Board extends an apology to community leader Idris Orughu for acts of discrimination and anti-black racism.” It acknowledges that the PDSB is, “Taking many steps in its efforts to dismantle anti-black and Caribbean racism and achieve racial equity. One of these important steps is to acknowledge past mistakes to enable reconciliation.”

There is no doubt that the 2019-2020 school year was a tumultuous one in the history of the PDSB. The process of going through a formal ministry review and the ultimate firing of its director, Peter Joshua was a few of the upheavals that occurred. It was the accusations of systemic racism, specifically anti-black racism that was most disconcerting. The letter of apology to Mr Orughu states, “The issuing of the notice of trespass and contacting the Peel Regional Police were acts of discrimination and anti-black racism.” The letter extends the apology, “On behalf of senior leadership for the impact of that trespass letter on Mr Orughu’s advocacy efforts to change education policies that perpetuate racism and oppressive practices.”

Mr Orughu accepted the apology and stated that, “It tells me that the board is ready and willing to turn a different page.” He acknowledges, “There is still a lot of work to be done. It will take time and we want to see action. This gesture tells us that the current leadership is willing to hear us, acknowledge the wrong that was done, and work with the community.”

This letter of apology is an important one for the PDSB. It ensures that as a community activist and social justice agent, Mr Orughu can continue his work.

The letter of apology concludes that, “The PDSB is committed to working with members of its community to address anti-black racism, inequality, and social inequality that impact the ability for all students to achieve their potential.”

There is very high hope and expectations for the PDSB as it endeavours to move beyond the past. It is on a positive path to ensure that it will be able to meet all the directives that came out of the review by the Ministry of Education. As it seeks to ensure that racial equity, social justice, fairness and acceptance are practiced, it will no doubt lead to better outcomes for all students.