At a recent meeting of the Board of Trustees, the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (SMCDSB) responded to Call to Action #1 in the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s Dreams Delayed report, released on March 27, 2025.
The report highlights the ongoing impact of systemic anti-Black racism in Ontario’s publicly funded education system. It also reinforces the responsibility of school boards to ensure learning and working environments that are equitable, inclusive, and free from discrimination.
Supported by SMCDSB’s Multi-Year Strategic Plan, the Board acknowledges the importance of recognizing and honouring the lived experiences of Black students, staff, and families, and commits to moving forward with care, responsibility, and accountability.
In response to Call to Action #1, which asks school boards to acknowledge the impact of systemic anti-Black racism, the Board received the following statement, presented publicly by Board Chair Susan Van Amelsvoort.
Statement of Acknowledgement
The Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (SMCDSB) acknowledges the reality of structural and systemic anti-Black racism and discrimination that exist within society and our educational settings.
We recognize that Black students, staff, and families have historically encountered—and continue to encounter—barriers to equity, belonging, and full participation due to deeply rooted racial biases and discriminatory practices.
Guided by our Catholic faith and our commitment to human dignity, equity, and justice, the SMCDSB is dedicated to actively identifying, addressing, and dismantling anti-Black racism within our schools, policies, and practices.
We are committed to listening to and engaging with Black students, staff, families, and community partners in order to shape equitable educational experiences and improve outcomes for all. Through collaboration, compassion, and shared responsibility, we strive to create learning and working environments where every individual is valued, supported, and able to thrive.
This acknowledgement builds on work already underway across the Board, and reflects both responsibility and accountability. Guided by our Catholic faith and a commitment to justice, the Board will continue this work through policy development, learning, and ongoing engagement with students, staff, families, and community partners.