“DEI Is Dead”: How Symbolic Leverage Enables and Constrains Racial Equity Work in School Districts

• In Event: Voice and Power in K-12 Education Policy Decisions

Abstract

Across Canada, school districts have been confronting a backlash to their equity and social justice reforms. This paper reports on a study examining the challenges and opportunities faced by those working within Ontario school districts towards greater racial justice. A total of 20 interviews were conducted with teachers, principals, equity staff, union leaders, and senior district administrators across three Ontario school districts that had previously been placed under provincial investigation for their failures to address racial inequities. Findings include that while the political environment was initially supportive of anti-racist reforms, the Ontario government has since utilized political rhetoric to constrain the racial equity work of school districts by signaling that this work is no longer a priority.

Authors

• Sachin Maharaj, University of Ottawa

• Chuka Obiadi, University of Ottawa