June 23rd, 2020

We, the student trustees, on behalf of the student population, acknowledge and recognize the unjust deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Regis Korchinski-Paquet, Rayshard Brooks and the harm done to Christian Cooper, and so many more. We also want to acknowledge the underlying issue of systemic racism in our society that our racialized and marginalized communities encounter daily. Over recent weeks, we have also heard your stories of racism and discrimination in our schools. We are deeply concerned about this. We believe in true equity and inclusion. We will not stand for racial discrimination.

Through these tragedies that have shaken our community, we have also heard inspirational stories and calls for action. Your voices have sent a beautiful wave of hope to Black, Indigenous, People of Colour and allies in our community.

We write this message today to declare to all: that we, student trustees, Board of Trustees, and school board staff see you, hear you, and are here with you. During these painful times, we understand that it is our responsibility to work together to identify, combat and ultimately eradicate racism in our schools and communities across the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB). We recognize that words are not enough. We must continue to improve, inform, learn and lead. We, alongside trustees and staff, vow to continue to fight and abolish all systemic racism within our schools and communities.

Sincerely,

Narein Chenthivelnathan and Myah Robinson

2019-20 Student Trustees

Tristan John-Jandles and Rowan McDonald

2020-21 Student Trustees

 

– In a racist society, it is not enough to be non-racist, we must be antiracist. – Angela Davis