A-180: Anti-racism
References:
- A-110, Welcoming, Caring, Respectful and Safe Learning and Working Environments
- A-150, Discrimination and Harassment
- D-180, Resolution of Complaints/Concerns Regarding Division Staff
- Alberta Human Rights Act
- Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
The board recognizes that racism exists and the collective responsibility that public education serves in reflecting, influencing, and driving positive systemic change. The board further acknowledges that racism is perpetuated at the individual, institutional and systemic level and is rooted in historical and contemporary oppression, white supremacy and colonialism. Proactive and intentional action is required to dismantle racism.
The board recognizes that other forms of oppression are at work in society and school, like discrimination based on gender, sexuality, ability, and class. Anti-racism work is inclusive of an analysis of the intersectionality of various forms of power/oppression at work in our society and lives. The board believes that because we live in a society that is so resistant to and/or are uncomfortable with discussions of racism, it is imperative to maintain anti-racism as a primary focus.
The board recognizes the complex reality of anti-racism work. Anti-racism is an active, responsive and transparent process of identifying and dismantling privilege and racism by challenging systems, organizational structures, policies, practices and attitudes, so that power is distributed equitably. Anti-racism includes the practice of identifying, challenging, and changing the values, structures and behaviours that perpetuate systemic racism. The board believes that understanding race and racism is rooted in honouring the experiences of racialized people. Anti-racism is not merely multicultural education. Anti-racism not only examines diversity in the context of race and ethnicity, but it also examines the power imbalances between racialized people and non-racialized/white people.
The board commits to listen and learn from people of colour and Indigenous peoples about how race and racism affects their lived experiences. The board recognizes our collective obligation to become aware of, and change, how we participate, often unknowingly, in racism. As people who live in Treaty 6 territory, Indigenous worldviews also provide guidance such as the Cree word, wâhkôhtowin, which guides us to engage in ethical and reciprocal relationships through kinship with all of creation.
The board believes that human dignity must be protected, promoted, defended and honoured. To achieve healthy communities it is our responsibility to one another and the collective community to ensure this protection, promotion, and defense of all human rights are met.