Although people of all races are entitled to legislated protection under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, 1982 and the Canadian Human Rights Act, 1977, Black people are not guaranteed true protection from systemic racism in all sectors (health care, business, politics, etc.), academic institutions (universities, colleges) and organizations. Black nurses are subject to racism in all of the aforementioned sectors, institutions and organizations, as racism continues to be deeply embedded in the health system and structures within Ontario.
On June 3, 2020, RNAO released a statement to address the devastating death of George Floyd and all who have experienced anti-Black racism and violence. RNAO CEO Dr. Doris Grinspun expressed that “we must put a spotlight on injustice, and mobilize to enact real change”. Our COVID-19 webinar series focused on the topic of Let’s Talk about Racism on June 15, 2020, as a group of passionate nurses engaged in meaningful conversations about experiences of and solutions to tackle systemic racism in Ontario and within our health system.
This event is the second of a webinar series hosted by RNAO's Black Nurses Task Force.
Topic
Understanding Anti-Black Racism in the Education System: From Preschool to Graduate School
When
Monday August 17, 2020 6:45 - 8:15 pm EDT
Webinar objectives
- Provide a brief overview of the historical context of anti-Black racism within Ontario and Canada’s education sector
- Discuss anti-Black racism and systemic inequities within Ontario's largest district school boards—with a focus on how new findings affect black people from preschool through to graduate education
- Describe some of the impacts of systemic anti-Black racism on enrollment in 'academic vs. applied' course streams and 'college vs. university' post-secondary pathways
- Describe systemic barriers that impede opportunities for Black students to succeed in the education system
- Highlight strategies and approaches to address anti-Black racism and discrimination in nursing educational programs
- Discuss opportunities for the supportive practice of mentoring in educational systems for Black nurses
Presenters
- Keisha Jefferies, RN, PhD(C), Dalhousie University
- Jacqueline Spence, Superintendent of Equity, Anti-Racism, Anti-Oppression, & Early Years, Toronto District School Board