When it comes to equity and inclusion, we all play a role by Matt Sereda (He/Him); TVDSB Equity Learning Coordinator Throughout the year there are several opportunities to affirm people’s interlocking identities and to amplify conversations related to equity, inclusion and social justice: Islamic History Month, Women’s History Month, Transgender Day of Remembrance, Black History Month, National Indigenous History Month and so many more. These days and months provide an important opportunity to recognize the unique experiences and challenges many people continue to face on a daily basis. They also provide an opportunity to highlight the actions we can all take to ensure that everyone feels celebrated for being who they are. In TVDSB, this commitment to equity and inclusion is at the centre of all that we do. All students, staff and community members have a right to be affirmed and celebrated for the unique identities that make them who they are. This commitment to equity is evident in several ways throughout TVDSB, including TVDSB’s Draft Equity Action Plan, our focus on anti-racist professional learning and our commitment to Culturally Relevant and Responsive Pedagogy. However, the initiatives that bring me the most joy are the ones that centre students’ experiences and amplify students’ voices, such as Queer Straight Alliances (also known as GSA’s), Black Student Associations, Muslim Student Associations and the newly formed Student Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee. These groups not only provide students with an
opportunity to feel affirmed and celebrated for who they are, but they also provide important social justice and advocacy opportunities, whereby students are empowered to lead initiatives that directly impact the removal of disproportionalities and support the well-being of students that have historically been disadvantaged by the education system, such as Black, Indigenous, religious minority and 2SLGBTQIA+ students. A wonderful example of this type of student advocacy is TVDSB’s MyName initiative, which works to affirm student’s chosen names in online platforms such as Google Meet and Google Classroom. TheMyName initiative was led by Queer Straight Alliance students and staff from Oakridge Secondary School and is a clear example of the power of amplifying student voice, providing social justice opportunities and affirming student identity. Equity is at the centre of all that we do in TVDSB, but that doesn’t mean that we still don’t have work to do. We are committed to constantly improving and to ensuring that all students feel safe, valued and celebrated for the uniqueness of who they are. We all have a commitment to equity. Our students are depending on us.
Supporting London’s LGBTQ2+ Community
Teresa Armstrong MPP London—Fanshawe 519-668-1104 tarmstrong-co@ndp.on.ca
Terence Kernaghan MPP London North Centre 519-432-7339 tkernaghan-co@ndp.on.ca
Peggy Sattler MPP London West 519-657-3120 psattler-co@ndp.on.ca
PRIDE Villager
Page 6 Issue 8 • Spring 2022
To advertise here, please contact Barb@VillagerPublications.com
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs