Why are Black administrators at Parkdale’s Queen Victoria Public School receiving anonymous racist hate mail

BY PAUL JUNOR

Black Principal Darlene Jones of Parkdale’s Queen Victoria Public School (QVPS) received an anonymous racist hate mail. The news of this second incident at QVPS within the less than two years has raised alarm and concern from many concerned community members, parents, guardians and educator stakeholders.

It was reported that the principal received a letter on October 22^nd, 2021 that contained descriptions that were “Hateful and racist, including anti-Black racist, comments against administrative staff at QVPS.” In response to this racist hate mail, Superintendent Debbie Donsky of the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) sent a letter on Wednesday October 28^th, 2021 to parents and guardians. The letter reads, ”While we know an incident of this nature has an impact on the entire community, we have spent the past few days informing and supporting those who were directly affected by these horrific  acts prior to communicating to the broader community.”

It was over a year and a half ago that  Queen Victoria’s Black Student Success Committee (QVBSSC)  expressed concerns regarding the absence of five of the school Black educators in the early part of 2020. It was subsequently revealed that a racist letter were sent to these  teachers in January 2020, but the TDSB did not  inform  its school constituents  or take any action until April ,2020  after  QVBSSC described what had happened on their Twitter account and prompted the board to respond.

The former principal, Alana Hardy, left the school  and never came back, she was followed by another staff member. The racist letter states, “I’m so happy to see you leave. You and your little crew that make everything about black this and that. So what, white people don’t count?” TDSB subsequently issued an apology in April 2020 for its failure to respond appropriately and take the necessary steps to provide help to the staff members affected.

In response to this second racist letter, Donsky is disheartened that it has reversed the gains that were made since January 2020. She has spoken towards the steps they have taken since then. The board has “Done a lot to begin to earn the trust of the community over the time, including hosting several parent/ community events focused on dismantling anti-Black racism, anti-oppression for all staff and beginning the school renaming process, to name a few. It’s is my sincere hope that through our handling of this current incident, we can demonstrate the lessons that have been learned.”

Anne Dobie and Tyler Rooney, co-chairs of the parent council reported that they became aware of the letter on Thursday, October 28^th, 2021. In a statement to CBC News, they  wrote, “Our reaction was of horror but not surprise. When the violence of racism is not met with swift, strong and immediate action, we know it continues to thrive. Our primary concern lies with the Black staff and families at QV who may be traumatized by this news. Ensuring their safety, security and necessary support must be our highest priority.”

They believe that TDSB’s inaction in the past has contributed to this new incident. They note, “It should be absolutely clear to everyone involved at TDSB that their lack of action and accountability for previous acts has enabled this racist and criminal behaviour to continue. Although they should be ashamed, it should also embolden them to take immediate and decisive actions.”