Parkdale community holds rally calling for an end to anti-black racism in schools

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Parents, students and community members gathered in Parkdale on Saturday afternoon for an anti-racism rally in schools.

Dozens of people stood outside Parkdale Collegiate Institute, demanding change and concrete action to end anti-black racism in schools. They were holding signs that read “Every Black Child Counts”, “Black Students Count” and “The System Is Not Broken.” It was built that way.

Saturday’s rally came following racist incidents at the school last month, including a teacher who attended a class with black paint on his face on the Friday before Halloween.

In a letter to parents following the incident, the school principal said several students alerted the administration about the teacher and immediate action was taken. The school had filed a report with the Toronto District School Board and put the teacher on paid home duty.

Leila Sarangi, one of five mothers who organized the rally, said she was horrified and disgusted when she learned of what had happened at Parkdale CI. She said it was difficult for the whole school community, especially the students who were injured by the incident.

“It’s really damaging for the kids in the classroom and they have a lot of responsibility to be the ones to act and really advocate for something to be done,” Sarangi said.

She noted that there had been another incident at the school involving a teacher allegedly using the N word in front of students while talking about a song.

“We know that these are not isolated incidences that there has to be a fostered culture within the school system that allows anti-black racism to flourish,” Sarangi said.

She said they organized the rally to take a stand and say anti-black racism was not acceptable.

“This is a big problem. And it makes our school dangerous. It makes our children dangerous. It makes our communities dangerous. So as parents we demand responsibility and stop this,” Sarangi said.

Students, parents and elected officials spoke at the rally, some sharing their lived experiences of anti-black racism.

“We really want to draw attention to this issue. And let people know what’s really going on,” Sarangi said.

“Of all this, what gives me hope is that these kids weren’t spectators, and it’s really important that they took the initiative. They continued to act until what people hear and support them. “

– with files from Phil Tsekouras

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