Amid the COVID-19 response, we are seeing our community band together to ensure the health and wellbeing of everyone. Our daily lives have certainly been and will continue to be altered. Yet, many things in our world remain unchanged and some celebratory and commemorative occasions need to be recognized. The March 21 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is one day that we, as Chair and Vice-Chair of the Vancouver School Board, on behalf of our entire Board, would like to acknowledge.

As our communities come together it prompts us to consider those who face systemic societal barriers and for whom we must continue to provide appropriate supports. As such, we take this opportunity to share steps the Board and District staff have taken to address racism and discrimination as we continue to build a public education system that is more inclusive and equitable.

We would like to share with you these actions taken during this school year:

• The Board approved Policy 21 - Non-Discrimination which is supported by Administrative Procedure 170.
• The Board directed the Superintendent to develop a Strategic Plan for Racism & Discrimination that includes short (1 year), medium (3 year) and long-term (5 year) actions that the District will take to address racism and discrimination in Vancouver schools.
• At the direction of the Board, the District contracted a field expert to advise the Board on policy and staff on procedures that outline an impact-focused, structured response to discriminatory student conduct, specifically including acts of hate.
• District staff have participated in two Cultural Sensitivity workshops.
• School-based administrators and staff continue to engage in learning opportunities such as those provided during Black History Month in February.
• On February 4, the District hosted its first Youth Anti-Racism Summit – What's Your Move. This student-led summit featured a number of prominent speakers and presenters from the Black community (including Cicely Blain, Adeerya Johnson, Beth Applewhite and Alicia Fahrner). Members of the National Congress of Black Women were also there to assist with the event. Students from all Vancouver secondary schools attended.
• On February 14, a professional development session by Cicely Blain was attended by 300 staff. This session focused on the experiences of the Black community. Ruby Smith Diaz with the Access to Media Education Society also presented a workshop for teachers centered on Black History and empowering Black youth.
• Our District Resource Teacher dedicated to anti-racism presented at several schools and offered lessons for students during Black History Month.
• Yasin Kiraga with the African Descent Society set up installations about Hogan's Alley in many schools throughout Vancouver and provided in-class presentations for students. In addition, he hosted walking tours of this historic Vancouver community.
• Overture with the Arts toured schools during Black History Month with "Tracking Black Canada". They shared works of literature about the often forgotten histories of early Black communities across Canada.
• Ahead of Black History Month, resources that supplement the BC curriculum and contact information were also provided to all schools by the District's resource teacher dedicated to anti-racism.

We understand there remains much more work to be done. We are committed to working with students, staff, parents and community members to ensure that our public education system is a place where all people feel valued, all voices are heard and everyone thrives.

Again, as we write this letter, we are keenly aware we are in times of uncertainty. Now, more than ever, we need to come together to support all members of our community. We hope that VSB families are healthy, safe and taking care of themselves and those around them in need of support.

Sincerely,

Janet Fraser, Chair
Carmen Cho, Vice Chair

Vancouver School Board