June 10th, 2025

In the past week Trustees have been receiving emails stating that the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) is teaching that the word ‘family’ is racist. I would like to state categorically that this is not the case. The word ‘family’ and what it represents is integral to all we do.

A look at our website will reveal numerous references to family. There are lunchtime workshops for families; there are information nights for families; we collaborate with families (I.e. parents and caregivers at all stages of the learning process, in every grade and in every activity). Families are seen as active partners in the learning and well-being of their children. They are seen every day in our schools contributing to public education.

A look at our policies and procedures will also reveal the intentional focus on family and the commitment to continue working to improve and strengthen collaboration between home and school.

The workshop referenced by the news article took place one and a half years ago. Since then there has been no change in the quality of the partnership between school and families in that community, and therefore no basis for the accusation made in the article. Families have always been and will always be welcome in every school in the WRDSB; they are an integral part of school life.

As explained in our media statement, the news article did not include the full context of the presentation. To provide staff the professional development required to carry out Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy, the Ministry of Education’s Anti-Black Racism Strategy, the Ontario College of Teachers’ Professional Advisory on Anti-Black Racism, the Calls to Action of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission, as well as the Human Rights Code, it is necessary to explore and understand the ever changing and evolving nature of language and how it has affected the lived experiences of some of the families in the WRDSB. The Ontario government has a stated goal of quality public education. Quality public education informs civil discourse and economic prosperity by furthering understanding of each other.

I would like to express regret for the racist hate mail directed at Dr. Laura Mae Lindo. She was not involved in the PD session referenced, but a slide from a presentation she had done earlier was included. Responses like that are inappropriate and disappointing. News sources do not always give the whole story. The WRDSB always welcomes questions of clarification about matters of concern. We are committed to continuing to partner with and honouring families in all aspects of their children’s education.

I would like to end with a quote from our current Strategic Plan: “Our Strategic Plan was built using what we heard from students, staff, families and community members.”

The Board of Trustees stands by this commitment.

Categories: News