Advancing ARIE's Mission: Progress Update on Creating Inclusive Spaces in BC Schools
Written by Solange Lavi Dorsainvil
This month, let's delve into the core missions of the Anti-Racism in Education (ARIE) project and how we’re doing so far. Many dedicated individuals on this project are working together towards a common goal: creating safer and more inclusive spaces for Indigenous, Black, and People of Colour (IBPOC) students within our school system. Our efforts are driven by the vision of a school experience where IBPOC students feel valued, empowered, and supported.
The ARIE project continues to make strides in creating safer and more inclusive spaces for IBPOC students within BC’s school system. As we delve deeper into our core missions and progress, it's essential to highlight the ongoing efforts and achievements driving our vision forward. The mission of the ARIE project revolves around three key domains: understanding racism within BC schools; recommending anti-racist initiatives; and advocating for racialized students (with the aim of improving educational outcomes).
Achieving the following project goals requires the courage of school staff and administrators who welcome us into their spaces seeking knowledge and understanding, as well as the unwavering courage of the IBPOC youth who share their experiences with us. As we continue our work across school districts, our aim is to effect positive change that empowers people within the educational system to be their very best.
Community-Based Research: Our commitment to understanding the realities of racism within BC schools remains steadfast. Through extensive engagement with IBPOC staff and students, we've gained invaluable insights into the multifaceted challenges they face. The research to understand student experiences serves as the cornerstone of our initiatives, allowing us to develop targeted interventions that address the root causes of discrimination and inequality. By elevating the voices of those directly affected, we're not only shedding light on prevalent issues but also fostering a deeper understanding of the urgent need for systemic change.
Community-based research is essential for the ARIE project. We need to understand the realities of racism in BC schools to know where to focus our efforts. While some may believe that racism isn't a significant issue in Canada, particularly in BC, the truth is far more complex. Our research is done in a multitude of ways, including engaging with IBPOC staff and students, whose firsthand experiences provide invaluable perspectives on what needs to change.
Advocacy for Anti-Racism Initiatives: Central to our mission is advocating for the implementation of anti-racism initiatives within schools. Our workshops and discussions serve as platforms for embedding anti-racist principles into curricula and classrooms. Our workshops and discussions have been well-received, with educators showing a growing commitment to embedding anti-racist principles into their curricula and classrooms. By promoting positive dialogue and self-reflection among staff, we're making strides towards creating more inclusive learning environments. As we continue to advocate for systemic change, we're witnessing a growing momentum behind our efforts, indicating a promising shift towards a more inclusive educational landscape.
Improving Educational Outcomes: At the heart of our mission is the unwavering commitment to improving educational outcomes for racialized students. Despite systemic barriers, we're encouraged by the progress we've made in dismantling entrenched forms of discrimination by supporting conversations with staff around where more work needs to be done. By highlighting the real and personal negative experiences of many IBPOC students in the school system we have helped grow an awareness of the issue at hand. Through targeted interventions and advocacy initiatives, we're creating pathways for racialized students to thrive academically and socially. By supporting schools and educators in their anti-racism journey, we are helping foster a culture of belonging and empowerment; we're not only challenging the status quo but also paving the way for a more just and equitable future.
Through workshops and discussions in schools, we aim to embed anti-racist principles into school curricula and classrooms. This involves using diverse literature, educational films, and interactive activities to promote positive dialogue and understanding. There are conversations that are simply missing, ones that need to be had with students of all ages. We recognize that these conversations can be challenging, but they are vital for creating inclusive environments where all students feel respected and valued. We encourage the staff who attend our workshops to reflect on if they are doing all they can to make their spaces anti-racist ones. Nobody expects teachers to immediately know all there is to know about these topics, that is why our workshops can be so beneficial. To feel comfortable having these conversations about race and equality, it is necessary to feel properly informed. That is where this sector of our work comes into play.
Engagement and Collaboration: Collaboration remains pivotal to our approach as we work towards our shared vision of inclusive education. We continue to engage with school districts, community organizations, and advocacy groups to leverage collective expertise and resources. By forging partnerships and amplifying marginalized voices, we're building a coalition of change-makers dedicated to dismantling systemic racism within the education system. This collaborative approach ensures that our efforts are comprehensive and sustainable, leading to meaningful and lasting impact. We have been blessed with the opportunity to meet and work with other like-minded teachers, staff, and organizations.
Addressing Challenges and Opportunities Head-on: While we celebrate our progress, we acknowledge the persistent challenges that lie ahead. Addressing deep-rooted systemic inequities requires sustained effort and collective action. Additionally, the ever-evolving nature of racism demands ongoing reflection and adaptation of our strategies. However, amidst these challenges, we see boundless opportunities for growth. If IBPOC students are to feel safe in schools, there really isn’t an option for things to stay the way they are. Moving towards inclusivity and celebration of diversity is necessary for the future of the education system. By harnessing the collective strength and bravery of our communities, we remain steadfast in this pursuit.
Ultimately, our goal is to advocate for black and other racialized students, and improve educational outcomes for all. We believe that this work isn't just about combating racism; it's about promoting peace, love, and compassion in our schools. We've seen evidence that many racialized students struggle within our current school system, and we're determined to change that narrative. Schooling should be a period of growth, exploration, and empowerment, unencumbered by the shackles of discrimination. We envision a future where the educational system embraces diversity wholeheartedly, where staff and peers alike treat racialized students as equals consistently, regardless of their background.
In conclusion, the ARIE project continues to advance towards its mission of creating safer and more inclusive educational spaces for IBPOC students in British Columbia. Through community-based research, advocacy efforts, and collaboration, we're laying the groundwork for systemic change that prioritizes equity, justice, and belonging. As we navigate the complexities of our work, we remain guided by the unwavering commitment to uplifting marginalized voices and creating a future where all students can thrive, regardless of their background.
This project is funded by the Government of Canada.
