York Catholic District School Board implements anti-racist practices and procedures

BY PAUL JUNOR

There is much hope and expectation that the election of Elizabeth Crowe as the new Chair of York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) will usher in real systemic changes to address on-going anti-Black racism and other problems.

The announcement was made on the YCDSB’s website: ycdsb.ca and at its inaugural board meeting. Trustee Crowe has been a trustee with the YRDSB for over twenty-six years. She completed a B.Eng with a minor in business and a M.Eng in structural engineering. She represents Aurora, King Township and Whitchurch – Stouffville.

This is the third time that Elizabeth will be chairing the YCDSB. She served as Chair from December 1988 to November 2015 and from December 2017 to November 2018. In addition, she has served as Vice-Chair during that time.

In her website:elizabethcrowe.ca, Trustee Crowe reveals details about her many years of service as a school board trustee. She states, “Being a trustee is my only job and therefore I am available by phone or by email to answer questions, provide advice or direction, and most importantly to advocate for those whose concerns have not been heard. I am committed to ensuring that the schools in my community are treated fairly and that parents, and staff have a voice.”

The election of Trustee Crowe as Chair reflects the confidence that that Board of Trustees have in her hard work, dedication and commitment to the Catholic education in the York region. She is grateful of the Board of Trustees’ vote of confidence in her. She states, “I am honoured to have the support of my fellow Trustees. As we lit the first Advent candle, it reminded us that we are waiting in joyful hope for the coming of our Lord. At the same time, at the Board level, we too are waiting with joyful hope for a full return to school without masks and social distancing.”

There will be many challenges and hurdles that the YCDSB will face in the coming year. There has been media attention over the years that highlighted on-going systemic anti-Black racism.

An alumni-run group, “Student Speak Up YCDSB” organized a student walkout as a reaction to racist actions that occurred in elementary and secondary schools. The walkout drew attention to what co-founders: Abisola Asha, Esi Eshun and Malik Scott of the student-run group revealed were years of systemic racism that many Black students experienced.

Trustee Crowe is aware that it was on April 22^nd, 2020 that the YCDSB was found to be in violation of an Ontario human rights tribunal order as can be seen at debbieklasman.com. Since then it formulated the Anti-Black Racism Pillar which according to its website:ycdsb.ca “Will be assisting in establishing and implementing a comprehensive, strategic, Equity Plan to address systemic inequities experienced by both students and staff.”