District Recognizes International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
On March 21, the Chilliwack School District will recognize the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. This day recognizes that injustices and prejudices fueled by racial discrimination take place every day.
The Chilliwack School District is committed to creating safe, caring, and inclusive schools for all students and staff. Every student deserves an education free of discrimination where they can focus on learning and thriving.
Last school year, the district introduced an Anti-Racism Action Plan with commitments for staff training, community partnerships, policy reviews, and school-based programs. The plan is meant to help students learn in environments that are equitable, inclusive, and free from racism and systemic barriers. The work continues in 2025-26.
A newly drafted Anti-Racism Administrative Procedure (AP) will reinforce respect for diversity and prohibits discrimination on protected grounds while providing clear guidance for school leaders to respond to racist incidents in a consistent and impactful way. This AP supports our Inclusion Policy and commitment to removing barriers and fostering belonging for all learners.
A foundation learning piece is the provincial “Learning to Be Anti-Racist: An Introductory Course.” This online course is available to all district employees. It includes seven modules that introduce concepts such as systemic racism, intersectionality, and strategies for responding to incidents of racial harm in schools. It is designed to build shared understanding so that staff feel more confident recognizing and addressing racism.
Along with professional learning, the district continues to strengthen practices that support respectful school communities — including restorative approaches to addressing harm, the collaborative work being done by the IDEA Committee, ongoing staff learning opportunities, and alignment with provincial guidance on responding to racist incidents in schools.
How you can fight racism, discrimination, and xenophobia in Canada
1. Educate yourself and others about the history and ongoing issues of racism, discrimination, and xenophobia in Canada to increase awareness and understanding of these issues. Check out this podcast to learn how cognitive biases can perpetuate systemic racism: Eh Sayers Season 2, Episode 1 - Created Equal.
2. Speak out against racism, discrimination, and xenophobia when you encounter it. This can be done by calling out racist or discriminatory behavior and language, and by standing in solidarity with those who are being targeted.
3. Support Indigenous peoples and racialized and religious minority communities by listening to and amplifying their voices, and by supporting organizations and initiatives that work towards racial equality.
4. Encourage anti-racism and racial equality, in all areas of life, including in the workplace, schools, and communities, and promote policies and initiatives that support these values.
Learn More
Anti-Racism in Chilliwack Schools: Anti-Racism | inclusiveschools.sd33.bc.ca.