GUELPH – More than 100 parents of Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) students signed an open letter calling on the board to “take a stronger stand against anti-Palestinian racism and to uphold the values of human rights, equity and justice.”
They call for:
– anti-Palestinian racism to be included in the board’s equity policy;
– officials not to punish students or staff for supporting Palestinian rights;
– educational resources and training on Palestinian human rights;
– an end to collaborations with groups perpetuating anti-Palestinian racism or targeting progressive Jewish voices;
– new collaborations with organizations that teach Jewish identity is not inherently linked to Israel; and
– acknowledgement that Palestinian families have been harmed by the UGDSB’s silence about what is happening in Palestine.
UGDSB officials did not address the letter’s specific allegations or recommendations, but in an emailed statement to the Advertiser, said the board “is committed to upholding environments of dignity, safety and human rights for all students, families, educators, and staff.”
The statement continues, “Grounded in principles of the Ontario Human Rights code, UGDSB’s approach demands that we recognize the importance of individual identities and the influence of systemic issues that perpetuate harm.”
UGDSB officials pointed to their plans for an independent, third-party review, “which will seek to identify systemic barriers and promote equitable learning and working environments.”
Students, staff, parents and caregivers will be invited to give feedback during the review, officials state.
To read the recent open letter, visit tinyurl.com/3utxw7fj.
UGDSB Parents for Palestine is presenting a forum on May 4 at 10C in Guelph called “Addressing Anti-Palestinian Racism in our Schools.”
To register for the free event visit tinyurl.com/4z7u2sxw.
