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Why Racial Discrimination in Schools is Everyone’s Problem—And What We Can Do About It
March 21, 2025
Every child deserves to walk into a classroom and feel safe, valued, and inspired to learn. But for far too many Black and racialized students in Ontario, this is not the reality. Racial discrimination in schools is not just a problem for the students who experience it—it’s a problem for all of us. It weakens our communities, limits our collective potential, and perpetuates cycles of inequality.
As we mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, it’s time to confront this issue head-on. This article will explore the systemic racism embedded in Ontario’s education system, its long-term effects on students and communities, and how initiatives like Roots to Routes Academy are creating real change. Most importantly, we’ll discuss what you—whether you’re a parent, teacher, policymaker, or student—can do to be part of the solution.
The Problem: Racial Discrimination in Ontario’s Schools
Racial discrimination in schools isn’t always as obvious as a racial slur or a hate crime. Often, it’s hidden in policies, practices, and attitudes that seem neutral on the surface but have deeply harmful effects.
What Does Racial Discrimination Look Like in Schools?
- Suspension and Expulsion Rates: Black students in Ontario are disproportionately suspended and expelled. According to a 2018 report by the Ontario Human Rights Commission, Black students make up a significant portion of suspensions and expulsions, despite being a smaller percentage of the student population. This disparity starts as early as kindergarten.
- Streaming: Black students are often pushed into lower academic streams, limiting their opportunities for higher education and future careers. A 2023 report Black students are significantly underrepresented in gifted programs and overrepresented in applied-level courses.
- Lack of Representation: The curriculum in Ontario’s schools rarely reflects the histories, cultures, and contributions of Black and racialized communities. This lack of representation sends a message that these stories don’t matter.
- Microaggressions and Bias: Black students frequently face subtle forms of racism, like being stereotyped as “aggressive” or “unintelligent.” These microaggressions can chip away at a student’s self-esteem and sense of belonging.
The Long-Term Effects of Racial Discrimination
The impact of racial discrimination in schools doesn’t end at graduation. It follows students into adulthood, shaping their opportunities, self-worth, and relationships with society.
- Academic Outcomes: Students who experience racism are more likely to disengage from school, leading to lower graduation rates and limited access to post-secondary education.
- Mental Health: The stress of dealing with racism can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.
- Economic Disparities: When students are pushed into lower streams or drop out of school, their earning potential is significantly reduced, perpetuating cycles of poverty.
- Community Impact: Racial discrimination in schools doesn’t just harm individual students—it weakens entire communities. When young people are denied the opportunity to thrive, everyone loses.
Why It’s Everyone’s Problem
Racial discrimination in schools isn’t just a “Black issue” or a “minority issue.” It’s a societal issue that affects us all.
- For Students: A school environment that tolerates racism creates a culture of fear and exclusion, making it harder for all students to learn and grow.
- For Teachers: Educators who don’t address racism in their classrooms are failing to prepare students for a diverse and interconnected world.
- For Parents: No parent wants their child to be treated unfairly or to grow up in a society where inequality is normalized.
- For Policymakers: A fair and equitable education system is the foundation of a just and prosperous society.
The truth is that we all have a role to play in eliminating racial discrimination in schools. And the time to act is now.
Community-Led Solutions: The Role of Roots to Routes Academy
While systemic change is essential, we can’t wait for policymakers to solve this problem. That’s where community-led initiatives like Roots to Routes Academy come in.
What is Roots to Routes Academy?
Roots to Routes Academy is a groundbreaking educational program designed by Black educators for Black students. It provides a safe, supportive, and empowering environment where students can thrive academically, celebrate their identities, and achieve success without conforming to oppressive systems.
How Roots to Routes Academy is Making a Difference
- Culturally Relevant Curriculum: The Academy’s curriculum centers Black history, culture, and experiences, helping students see themselves reflected in what they learn.
- Personalized Teaching: Every student is unique, and Roots to Routes Academy tailors its teaching methods to meet the needs of each learner.
- Safe Space: The Academy is a place where students can be themselves without fear of judgment or discrimination.
- Empowerment: By celebrating Black identity and excellence, Roots to Routes Academy helps students build confidence and resilience.
Success Stories
Take, for example, 15-year-old Tia, who struggled in school due to constant microaggressions and a lack of support. After enrolling in Roots to Routes Academy, she found a community that believed in her. Today, Tia is not only excelling academically but also leading her peers in discussions about Black history and culture.
What We Can Do About It: Actionable Steps for Stakeholders
Eliminating racial discrimination in schools requires collective action. Here’s what you can do:
For Policymakers
- End Streaming: Implement policies that eliminate streaming and ensure all students have access to high-quality education.
- Invest in Anti-Racism Training: Provide funding for teachers and administrators to receive training on anti-racism and culturally responsive teaching.
- Revise the Curriculum: Ensure that the curriculum reflects the histories and contributions of Black and racialized communities.
For Educators
- Examine Your Biases: Reflect on your own attitudes and behaviors to ensure you’re not perpetuating racism, even unintentionally.
- Create Inclusive Classrooms: Use teaching materials that reflect the diversity of your students and foster a culture of respect and inclusion.
- Advocate for Change: Speak up when you see policies or practices that harm Black and racialized students.
For Parents and Students
- Demand Better: Advocate for your child’s right to a fair and equitable education.
- Join Community Initiatives: Support programs like Roots to Routes Academy that are working to create change.
- Educate Yourself: Learn about anti-racism and how you can be an ally in the fight against racial discrimination.
For the Community
- Amplify Black Voices: Listen to and uplift the voices of Black educators, students, and activists.
- Support Grassroots Organizations: Donate to or volunteer with organizations like Roots to Routes Academy that are making a difference.
- Hold Schools Accountable: Demand transparency and accountability from schools and school boards.
A Call to Action: Enrol Your Child at Roots to Routes Academy
If you’re a Black parent in Ontario, you have the power to give your child an education that celebrates their identity, nurtures their potential, and prepares them for a bright future. Roots to Routes Academy is more than just a school—it’s a movement.
Imagine your child walking into a classroom where they feel seen, heard, and valued. Imagine them learning about their history, culture, and contributions to the world. Imagine them growing into a confident, knowledgeable, and empowered young person.
This is the future that Roots to Routes Academy is building—one student at a time. But spaces are limited, and the demand is high. Don’t let your child miss out on this life-changing opportunity.
Enrol today at www.rootstoroutes.ca and join the movement to eliminate racial discrimination in education.
Conclusion: A Future Free from Racism
Racial discrimination in schools is a problem that affects us all, but it’s a problem we can solve. By working together—policymakers, educators, parents, students, and communities—we can create an education system that is fair, inclusive, and empowering for everyone.
Roots to Routes Academy is leading the way, but we need your help to make this vision a reality. Let’s build a future where every child can thrive, regardless of their race or background.
The time to act is now. The future of our children—and our society—depends on it.
