Racial Equity

The Surrey School District stands for all forms of equity and inclusion and strives for a respectful and safe educational system free of discrimination and oppression and dedicated to achieving and upholding racial equity and anti-racism and belonging for everyone.

TERRITORIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Surrey Schools is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the q̓_ic̓əy_̓ (Katzie), q̓ _ʷɑ:_n_̓ƛ̓ən_̓ (Kwantlen), SEMYÓME (Semiahmoo) and other Coast Salish Peoples.

OUR RACIAL EQUITY VISION

To collectively strengthen work and learning environments that are culturally responsive, celebrate diversity, and strive to ensure belonging for everyone.

A message from our Board of Education Chairperson, Laurie Larsen and our Superintendent/CEO, Mark Pearmain:

Racial Equity is a district priority, and our strategic plan is an important step forward in our commitment to fostering more inclusive and equitable work and learning environments for all students and staff, particularly Indigenous, Black and other racialized groups.  The strategic plan outlines priority areas, strategies and actions we will be implementing over the next five years to address systemic disparities, promote cultural responsiveness, and empower every individual within our diverse school communities.

This work is a collective responsibility, shared by every department, program, school and staff member. And it encompasses many areas, including policies, procedures, communications, professional development, staffing, programs, services, and curriculum.   

Education is not just about the teaching and learning of knowledge and skills but also about nurturing empathy, respect, and a deep understanding of the unique experiences and backgrounds of our students and staff.  This is the foundation of our work and will guide us in creating a more positive and compassionate educational experience for each and every student we serve.  As educators we strive to create compassionate and welcoming learning environments where all student’s perspectives are welcome an encouraged.  

Achieving racial equity is an ongoing process that requires collaboration, persistence, and a willingness to learn, breakdown barriers and grow together.  We invite you to join us in embracing this strategy, as we know that only by working together can we create a learning environment that ensures belonging for everyone — one where every student can embrace their uniqueness, pursue their dreams, and make meaningful contributions to our society.  Thank you for your continued support.

COMMITMENTS

We are committed to equity, diversity, and belonging (EDB) by:

• Acknowledging historical and ongoing injustices to Indigenous Peoples across Canada and honouring and acting on Truth and Reconciliation.
• Providing an equitable, diverse, and inclusive learning and working environment that fosters a sense of belonging for all students and employees.
• Ensuring a respectful and safe educational system that is free of racism, discrimination, and oppression, and dedicated to achieving and upholding racial equity.

It is through our vision and commitment, we will see the educational benefits of racial equity, diversity, and belonging, which include: 

• Exposure to more varied viewpoints and positions,
• Enhanced cognitive complexity,
• Increased cultural awareness, knowledge and understanding,
• Enhanced self-confidence, motivation, and educational aspirations,
• Greater degree of cross-racial interaction, 
• Diminished racial stereotypes, 
• Enhanced ability to adapt successfully to change, and 
• Development of values and ethical standards through reflection.

(Clayton-Pedersen, Alma R., Nancy O’Neill, and Caryn McTighe Musil. Making Excellence Inclusive: A Framework for Including Diversity and Inclusion into Colleges and Universities Academic Excellence Mission.  American Association of Colleges and Universities, 2013.)

RACIAL EQUITY DEPARTMENT

We are in a comprehensive review of all our policies and procedures, made several shifts, and continue to increase understanding in schools and departments on how we can act on our vision and commitments and drive change inside and outside of our learning and work environments. The Racial Equity Strategic Plan outlines 4 key priority areas we will be implementing over the next five years.   

Click to view full plan