Dear Minister Dunlop and Ms. Lacroix, OCT Registrar & CEO,
I am writing to you on behalf of the 污污漫画 (污污漫画) to advocate for the implementation of a mandatory equity, diversity, and anti-racism certification for all K-12 teachers in Ontario. This initiative is crucial to ensuring educators are well-equipped to support racialized students across the province.
The 污污漫画 is committed to providing inclusive learning and working environments for all students and educators, as outlined in our Multi-Year Strategic Plan and Equity Policy. We believe this commitment can further be strengthened through mandatory provincial certification on equity and anti-racism.
Data from the 污污漫画's Fall 2023 Update on Responding to Incidents of Racism, Bias and Hate indicates that 80 per cent of reports through our digital portal involve racism, with the majority being anti-Black racism. Additionally, the 2022-23 污污漫画 Human Rights Office Annual Report highlights the prevalence of race-based incidents and the increase in religious-based incidents, such as antisemitism and Islamophobia.
We also point to which reveals that Black high school teachers experience significant challenges related to micro-aggressions, isolation, and lack of support within school environments. These challenges underscore the need for mandatory certification to address issues through training and accountability.
We propose that the Ministry of Education consult with key stakeholders, including the Ontario College of Teachers, the Ontario Black Trustee Caucus, the Ontario Public School Boards' Association, the Ontario Catholic School Trustees' Association, equity and diversity experts, educators, and community organizations, to develop and implement this certification program. Engaging these stakeholders will ensure that the initiative addresses the diverse needs of our educational communities.
Additionally, we recommend establishing a timeline for the development, consultation, and implementation phases of the certification program. This structured approach will help ensure that all aspects are completed efficiently and effectively.
We are confident that implementing mandatory certification on equity, diversity, and anti-racism will be a transformative step towards fostering truly inclusive and supportive educational environments for every student and educator across Ontario.
Please share your response with us and let us know if we can assist you further.
Thank you,
Neethan Shan
Chair, 污污漫画
cc: Ontario Public School Boards' Association
The Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) responded on February 14, 2025. Registrar & CEO Linda Lacroix wrote that any changes to teacher certification would require a change in the Ontario College of Teachers Act. She added that OCT is responsible for the accreditation of Ontario's initial and ongoing teacher education programs. These programs are relevant to areas of study, policy, and curriculum, including planning and design, special education, equity and diversity, and learning assessment and evaluation.