Thames Valley Board Developing New Anti-Black Racism Strategy
The Thames Valley Board has announced its plans to develop a new anti-Black racism strategy, aiming to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for Black students, families, and staff. The announcement was made during a Black history month reception at the Thames Valley head office on Monday. Mark Fisher, the director of education, stated that the plan will be released in February 2025 and will outline concrete and measurable actions to address and combat anti-Black racism within the board.
With this strategy, we are taking immediate and sustained action against anti-Black racism in our schools and workplaces. It is our responsibility as a school board to educate future generations about the importance of Black history and promote a culture of inclusivity, Fisher emphasized.
To ensure the success of their strategy, Thames Valley is collaborating with Nicole Kaniki, a diversity and inclusion consultant from Senomi Solutions. Kaniki’s expertise in developing diversity and inclusion plans has been invaluable in previous projects, including the preparation of a diversity and inclusion strategic plan for the Windsor police in 2022 and an independent anti-racism report for Western University’s law school in 2023.
The Thames Valley Board’s commitment to addressing anti-Black racism comes as part of their broader efforts to foster an inclusive and equitable educational environment. By focusing on concrete actions and measurable goals, the board aims to create lasting change and promote a sense of belonging for all members of the Thames Valley community.
This new strategy will not only benefit Black students, families, and staff, but it will also contribute to the overarching goal of enhancing diversity and inclusion throughout the educational system. By acknowledging and addressing the injustices faced by Black individuals, Thames Valley is taking an important step towards creating an educational environment that celebrates diversity and values equality.
The board’s initiative has been met with positive feedback from various community members and advocates for racial justice. The development of a comprehensive anti-Black racism strategy reflects the growing recognition of the need to confront systemic racism and create a more equitable society.
As the school board continues its work, the Thames Valley community eagerly awaits the release of the anti-Black racism strategy in February 2025. It is hoped that this plan will provide a roadmap for positive change and serve as an example for other educational institutions to follow.
In conclusion, the Thames Valley Board’s commitment to developing a new anti-Black racism strategy demonstrates their dedication to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members of the community. By taking concrete actions and engaging in partnerships with experts, the board is actively addressing the issue of systemic racism and making significant strides towards a more equitable educational system.
