Anti-Racism, Diversity, and Inclusivity

The LDCSB is committed to improving the experiences and outcomes of all students, including Indigenous students, Black and other racialized groups of students, students with disabilities and/or special education needs, 2SLGBTQ+ students, students from low-income households, and students new to Canada. As a Catholic community, equity, diversity, justice and inclusion are values rooted in our Faith.

 

In addition, the LDCSB believes that a culture of collaboration, trust and respect can strengthen our partnerships with students, staff, family, and community. We are committed to celebrating the diversity, dignity, success, and worth of all individuals, and seek to strengthen our recognition of all voices in our community.  

 

As stewards of Catholic education, we believe in the sacredness of human life. We recognize that systemic racism impacts the daily lives of our students, staff and families in ways that are unjust and prevalent. We have done some important equity work in LDCSB and we recognize that we have a lot more work to do to eradicate racism. 

 
We have provided Deep Diversity: Overcoming Us vs Them: Leadership Skills for Inclusive Schools and Workplaces training for all school and system leaders. We have continued and will continue to provide Deep Diversity training for various staff groups such as Chaplaincy Leaders, Social Workers, Learning Services (Central Education Staff) and Anti-Racism, Diversity, and Inclusivity School Champions. Our board continues to provide Professional Development for educators around equitable practices in schools.
 
The Equity Continuum: Action for Critical Transformation in Schools and Classrooms resource that was provided schools will continue to be a resource for schools to use to audit their schools from an anti-racism lens. Through both the School Belonging Plan and the School Improvement Plan for Student Achievement and Well-Being, schools will be asked to identify specific initiatives they will undertake.

 

In the classroom, our board continues to work on embedding anti-racism education into each curriculum area to ensure that we are teaching through a Culturally Relevant and Responsive Pedagogy (CRRP) lens. We also recognize and celebrate the diversity of all our students throughout the year through school-wide events such as Black History Month.

 

In our schools, we value inclusion and thus we acknowledge Belonging Week. In 2021, the theme was All Are Welcome Here. We also have a Diversity Minister in every Secondary and Elementary Student Council. This year, our schools will be participating in a board-wide census to learn more about our students. More information about the Student Census will be coming soon!

 

We will continue our partnership with LUSO Community Services Multicultural Outreach Program which has provided a sustained effort to eliminate hatred, racism and discrimination in our schools and community through cultural competency and sensitivity education, as well as supporting students and staff in navigating difficult conflicts and conversations, and providing important healing and reconciliation for families, students, and the communities in which they live. 

 

We continue to partner with the Dioceses as well as other community organizations such as King's University College and the City of London. Please see our school board's policy on promoting businesses, groups, events and movements.