Toronto trustees vote in favour of black-focused schools
Last Updated: Tuesday, January 29, 2008 | 9:09 AM ET
CBC News
Related
Internal Links
Video
- Christine Birak reports for CBC-TV (Runs: 1:57)
- Play: Real Media »
- Play: QuickTime »
- Laurie Graham reports for CBC-TV (Runs: 2:07)
- Play: QuickTime »
- Play: Real Media »
A proposal to create Canada's first black-focused public school was approved by Toronto District School Board trustees Tuesday night.
They have recommended the creation of an alternative school that features a curriculum and teaching environment oriented around black history and culture.
The vote took place after an evening debate on the controversial proposal, which critics believe is a plan for segregation, while supporters believe it could keep more black students in school.
Trustees heard from a number of delegations including academics, parents, teachers and students.
A presentation was also made by the mother of Jordan Manners, a 15-year-old boy shot dead in a Toronto school last May. Loreen Small stood in opposition to the black school plan, calling it "segregation."
"This black school thing … it ain't right," she told trustees, saying teachers need more help to engage with students in multi-racial classrooms.
Some parents have said they want to try something new because the current system isn't working. As many as 40 per cent of black students don't graduate from Toronto high schools.
Angela Wilson is a mother of two who has been at the forefront of a push for Africentric or black-focused schools for years.
"Make our education system better for everybody," she said.
"It's not a one size fits all education system. It's actually working its way to be one size fits few — and the few that are successful do not look like me."
Trustees were supposed to have discussed a report delivered last week that makes four major recommendations:
- Open an Africentric alternative school in 2009.
- Start a three-year pilot program in three other high schools.
- Work with York University to improve school achievement.
- Develop a plan to help failing students.
Supporters said those options will keep black students engaged and in school, but opponents said it will lead to greater isolation.
"I just feel being with a mixed group of people is better, you know, you get to learn different cultures, different aspects of different people, the way they live," said Grade 10 student Terrin Smith-Williams.
Board chair John Campbell sees an Africentric school as just one option for dealing with the problems facing young blacks in Toronto's education system.
"It should not be viewed as the sole solution to a problem, but should instead be seen as a response to a community request for action," he said in a news release issued before the vote.
With files from the Canadian PressShare Tools
Latest Toronto News Headlines
- Ontario PCs give Hudak a 2nd chance
- Tim Hudak has retained his leadership of Ontario's Progressive Conservatives, taking nearly 80 per cent of the ballots cast. more »
- Health-care advocates slam Drummond report
- A public health advocacy group is accusing the Ontario government of manufacturing a crisis to justify billions of dollars in health-care cuts expected in the highly anticipated Drummond report. more »
- Price, Habs spoil Sundin's night in Toronto
- Not only did Carey Price and the Montreal Canadiens crash the party, they did their best to spoil it. Price turned aside all 32 shots he faced Saturday as the Habs hammered the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-0 on a night the team honoured long-time captain Mats Sundin. more »
- Toronto gets a rare taste of winter
- The threat of a flash freeze in parts of southern Ontario failed to materialize Friday as there was no rapid drop in temperatures, but the Toronto area is still dealing with cold temperatures and localized blowing snow. more »
Top News Headlines
- Quebec man charged with killing mother, 2 nieces
- A 35-year-old man has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of his mother and two young nieces in Quebec's Eastern Townships. more »
- Manitoba trailer fire kills 4
- Four people are dead after an early-morning fire quickly engulfed a residential trailer in Selkirk, Man. more »
- Harper's China visit ends with panda pact

- Prime Minister Stephen Harper wrapped up a visit to China aimed seeking new investments by officially announcing that Beijing will loan two of the country's prized giant pandas to Canadian zoos. more »
- Attawapiskat sites not ready for modular homes
- The first two of 22 modular homes promised by the federal government to Attawapiskat are on their way to the remote northern Ontario community, but the minister handling the Aboriginal Affairs portfolio is expressing concern over the "readiness" of the lots. more »
- Ultimate Tazer Ball combines shock and soccer
- Toronto gets a rare taste of winter
- Prayer service held for Ontario van crash victims
- Toronto zoo excited about giant pandas
- 'Stranger danger' tips key to protecting kids
- Ontario PCs give Hudak a 2nd chance
- Toronto doctor's 'magic pill' goes viral
- Harper's China visit ends with panda pact
- Toronto warned of wintry weekend

