Students in the Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) are focusing on why Black lives matter in recognition of Black History Month.
In a news release, the board said it's committed to ensuring students feel safe and have a strong sense of belonging within their schools. The board also called on all staff to advocate for and promote equitable and inclusive learning and work environments, while denouncing anti-Black racism in education.
Director of Education John Howitt said there is significant diversity within the LKDSB.
"Not all would recognize that, but it's there, and it's something that we must ensure that we address so that our students are comfortable and safe within the classroom and see themselves within the learning that is going on," said Howitt. "We're focusing on the fact the Black lives matter [this month], that local protests and rallies around the topic were all peaceful and are an opportunity to provide a narrative for our communities to have conversations about the fact of the status of Blacks within our area."
Howitt said he's been really reflecting over the past year-and-a-half on his own personal journey.
"Eighteen months ago, I didn't use the term BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of color), I didn't use the term anti-Black racism -- they're new to me, and given what's going on globally, they're important new learnings to me and to all within our communities to move our understanding forward."
Howitt expressed how the school board is connected to the movement and the message of Black lives matter, and said he believes the Black Lives Matter organization itself is not being incorporated in the board's recognition of Black History Month.
"I believe the social justice message that all Black lives matter and that we need to be able to see ourselves and recognize our role in ensuring that Black students are not, and Black staff members are not -- [that we're not] having any impact toward their ability to succeed within the school board," he said. "The LKDSB is aware of some controversy in the community [from those] who confuse a political movement with the social justice conversation of why Black lives matter. We are not getting involved in the politicization or a bias representation of any organizations."
In June, the board launched its new Strategic Priorities, which included focal points of inclusive diversity and championing anti-oppressive education.