Students in Calgary stand up against systemic racism in their schools

BY PAUL JUNOR

Protests against systemic racism are now a focus in schools in Calgary.

Students at Bishop McNally High school as well as dozens of other schools walked out of classes. They demanded that the Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD) do more to address racism in their schools. The walkout was prompted after it was revealed in two recordings that school district staff used the N-word.

CBC quoted a student, (McArthur Hilton) who stated, “It’s such a derogatory term and it needs to be stopped by black people, by all types of people. I don’t appreciate that from an older person who is supposed to be an example to us. As students will also look up to the teachers doing the right thing, and they should not be using that word at all.”

Four students were suspended after they revoked the principal Liane Anderson making remarks and posted it online as an infraction against the school’s policy. Additionally, there was another incident that showed up on social media bit that occurred over two years ago.

CCSD district issued formal apologies for the two incidents. The apology by Chief Superintendent Bryan Szumlas reads, “While we can’t discuss any specific personnel situations due to privacy concerns, we can tell you that we apologize and our hearts go out to any student or staff member ever impacted by systemic racism. We take every situation seriously and will investigate each individually to ensure a positive outcome that aligns with our faith.”

The Alberta Education released a statement by press secretary, Colin Aitchison regarding the inappropriateness of both situations. The content in the email reads, “Period. We do not condone it. And frankly, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone in the education system that is completely unacceptable and inappropriate. It is our expectation that the school division will take steps to listen to their community and works to ensure safe, welcoming and caring learning environments for all of their students and staff.”

The walkout was a symbolic victory for the students. It conveys the message to school officials regarding how they feel. In addition, they want the school board to collect race-based data to bring to light the experiences of black students in the schools.

Szumas states, “We hear the voices of our students concerning this important matter. There is work to be done in our school district when it comes to systemic racism. In consultation with stakeholders, we will work on professional development for all our staff and on information for our families. Each and every one of us has a role to play in the fight against racism.”

On Friday, October 16th, 2020, there was a protest by another anti-racism group at the Calgary Catholic District Office, to support the students who walked out on October 8th, 2020. Adam Messiah of the United Black People’s Ally ship told the crowd, “Until there are solidified, tangible changes made, we will remain to keep pressure on the Catholic School Board, and we’ll keep them in the public eye to ensure that they are held accountable for what they say they’re going to do.”

There is much expectation that equity, fairness, tolerance, and impartiality will prevail.