Dreams Delayed

In March 2025, the Ontario Human Rights Commission released Dreams Delayed: Addressing Systemic Anti-Black Racism and Discrimination in Ontario's Public Eduction System. The report's Action Plan identifies 29 actions to address anti-Black racism and discrimination in education: accountability and transparency, monitoring and evaluation, and student well-being. Of the 29, 13 are directly relevant to school boards. 

Call to Action #1 requests a "Clear formal and public acknowledgement of the structural and systemic nature of anti-Black discrimination and its impact on Black students and education staff." 

The following is the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board's 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.