Board passes third reading of Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression policy

The Lethbridge School Division Board of Trustees has passed third reading of Policy 103.1, Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression.
Through this policy, the Division hopes to create an atmosphere of mutual respect, where everyone has the right to be treated fairly, equitably and with dignity and respect.
The policy acknowledges racism exists and recognizes the significant role public education serves in driving positive, systemic change.
“As a Board, our policies provide the direction for our Division, and this policy is the direction our Division needs to go,” said Board Chair Allison Purcell.
At the May and June Board meetings, where the policy passed first and second readings, Division administrators Cayley King (Victoria Park) and Tracy Wong (Winston Churchill) were on hand to represent the Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression Committee.
"I think it is important to look at the people who are going to be relieved now that we have this policy," said Wong. “Our Division’s support of this policy makes a clear statement and acknowledges historic and systemic racism.”
Supporting students and staff is only part of the equation, as the policy also seeks to inspire change within the community.
"When we have a call to action like this, and we're calling on changes to our institutions and our systems, the hope is that will happen through individuals," said King. "When I read this as a community member, I am really forced to reflect on what my role is in terms of affecting positive change."
Policy 103.1 also includes definitions of many of the terms used throughout the policy, to help best represent the intention of the policy. The two pages of terms accompany a policy that builds on the Board's commitment to honour cultural diversity, promote intercultural understanding to enable reflection and growth and foster a sense of belonging.
"We can’t change what has happened before us – but we do have the ability to change what happens next,” said Purcell. “We have the ability to ensure the foundation is there to change the outcome for our students and staff. Today, our Division has committed to changing the outcome for our students and staff. It is now everyone’s responsibility to make sure that not only do we have a policy that supports our marginalized students but we also continue to ensure our actions support this important policy."
Work on Policy 103.1 began in October of 2021. The policy received First Reading by the Board on May 24 and received Second Reading on June 27.

To view the policy in its entirety, please see Page 47 of the Sept. 27 agenda: POLICY 103.1