Addressing Anti-Black Racism in HWDSB
Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) is committed to eliminating systemic anti-Black racism across all learning and working environments. In alignment with this commitment, HWDSB has adopted an Anti-Black Racism Policy with a vision of creating inclusive, culturally responsive and affirming learning and working environments for Black students, staff and families.
To realize the promises of the Policy and to respond to the urgent need for systemic change identified in HWDSB’s Disproportionality Data Report, Addressing Anti-Black Racism in HWDSB: Strategy for Black Students’ Success and Well-being has been developed.
The strategy is informed by the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s landmark 2025 report, Dreams Delayed: Addressing Systemic Anti-Black Racism and Discrimination in Ontario’s Public Education System and the OHRC’s Anti-Black Racism in Education: Compendium of Recommendations.
Disproportionality and Black Students In HWDSB
According to HWDSB’s We All Count Student Census conducted in 2022, 8% of the participating students self-identified as Black. According to the Disproportionality Data Report (2023/24), Black students in the HWDSB have faced significant disproportionality in the following areas:
- Suspensions and Expulsions: Black students are overrepresented in suspension and expulsion data indicating that Black students are more likely to face disciplinary actions compared to their representation in the overall student population. The report links this to systemic bias and calls for a review of school discipline practices.
- Academic Achievement: Black students are underrepresented in higher academic achievement categories. This suggests barriers such as potential bias in assessment and expectations, and lack of culturally responsive pedagogy. The report emphasizes the need for targeted academic support and inclusive curriculum design.
- Well-Being: Black students report lower levels of well-being compared to the board average. These findings suggest that Black students may not feel as safe, supported, or connected in their school environments.
These disparities highlight systemic inequities and underscore the need for targeted interventions to support Black students effectively.
Strategic Goals
- To eliminate systemic anti-Black racism by identifying, preventing and removing barriers in all HWDSB environments.
- To ensure every HWDSB community member can learn, work and access services and facilities in HWDSB environments without facing anti-Black racism, discrimination or harassment.
- To address disproportionalities reported in academic achievement, disciplinary actions, well-being and other opportunity gaps.
Expected Outcomes
- Black students are able to learn in school environments free from racial discrimination and harassment, including anti-Black discrimination.
- Black students have equal opportunities to benefit from the education system, supporting their full potential including:
- Positive well-being and a sense of belonging.
- Improved academic achievement and outcomes, including higher graduation rates.
- Improved relationships between educators, Black students, families, and communities
- Black educators and staff are able to work in environments free from discrimination and harassment based on race and have equal opportunities to achieve their full professional potential.
PRIORITY AREAS
Creating the Conditions for Learning and Responding to Black Students’ Needs
OBJECTIVE: To foster culturally responsive, identity-affirming, and inclusive learning environments where Black students feel a strong sense of belonging, are engaged in meaningful learning, and can thrive academically and emotionally.
Key Actions:
- Cultivate Inclusive and Affirming School Environments
- Address Disproportionalities in Progressive Discipline Practices and Outcomes
- Provide Culturally Responsive Mental Health and Well-being Supports
Enhancing Black Identity-Affirming & Empowering Curriculum and Practices
OBJECTIVE: To embed Culturally Relevant and Responsive Pedagogies (CRRP) that affirm Black students’ identities, increase racial literacy among all learners, and equip students and staff to recognize, disrupt, and dismantle anti-Black racism in education.
Key Actions
- Develop and Integrate Inclusive Curriculum
- Promote human rights education to build racial literacy among all learners
- Address Systemic Barriers in Programming and Assessment
Addressing Anti-Black Discrimination and Harassment
OBJECTIVE: Enhance learning and working environments to be free from anti-Black racism, hate, and discrimination by identifying, addressing and challenging systems of oppression and racism.
Key Actions
- Build Capacity to Identify and Address Anti-Black Racism
- Strengthen Reporting and Accountability Mechanism
- Support Affected Students and Staff
Providing Professional Learning and Leadership Development
OBJECTIVE: To build the racial literacy and leadership capacity of all HWDSB staff through continuous professional learning and development rooted in anti-racism, equity, and human rights principles.
Key Actions
- Deliver Ongoing Professional Learning
- Embed Equity in Leadership Development and Accountability
Enhancing Workplace Diversity and Inclusion
OBJECTIVE: To create and sustain an inclusive, equitable, and supportive workplace that is free from anti-Black racism, where Black educators and staff are hired, retained, and empowered to thrive professionally.
Key Actions
- Promote Equitable Hiring and Advancement
- Foster Inclusive Workplace Culture
- Monitor and Report on Workplace Equity
Enhancing Culturally Responsive Community Engagement
OBJECTIVE: Develop culturally responsive engagement and communication strategies to build trusting relationships between schools, Black families and Black community partners.
Key Actions
- Strengthen Relationships with Black Families and Communities
- Create Inclusive Structures for Engagement
- Solicit Ongoing Feedback, Collaboration and Co-Design
Ensuring Accountability and Monitoring Progress
OBJECTIVE: To ensure transparency, continuous improvement, and community trust by regularly assessing progress, reporting outcomes, and integrating feedback into the ongoing implementation of the Strategy.
key Actions
- Establish Transparent Reporting Mechanisms
- Center Community Voice in Monitoring and Evaluation
