A group of parents with Black children in Guelph is calling for changes within the Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB).
The UGDSB Black Parent Council expresses frustration over a lack of support or proper action when their kids report facing racism at school. They also highlight insufficient education and action aimed at forming a strategy against anti-Black racism.
“So we want them to first understand that there is a problem,” said Marsha Myrie, a member of the UGDSB Black Parent Council, which is an independent grassroots organization not linked to the school board.
“Once they accept that, then come to the table ready to genuinely address [issues with racism]. Not just performative gestures or dismissing parents; they need to truly work together to tackle these problems.”
She emphasizes their desire for the school board to implement an anti-racism strategy.
“[The council wants] a space where students, staff, and parents can share their experiences and have those repeated reports handled confidentially, taken seriously, and approached in trauma-informed ways so we aren’t continuously harmed while looking for solutions,” Myrie stated.
“We also want more accountability.. better tracking on how Black children are performing in schools, improved oversight around the curriculum, and clarity on what our kids are learning and who’s teaching them.”
She points out that there should be more Black teachers and administrators as well.
“Education isn’t just about what happens in classrooms. It starts with ensuring students have proper meals. It involves providing homework assistance programs and educational initiatives that extend beyond standard schooling.”
Findings from Human Rights Review
In April 2025, UGDSB initiated an independent third-party human rights review based on input received from public consultations.
This review collected over 4,200 responses through student surveys, assessed more than 780 written submissions, and interviewed over 200 students, staff families, and community members.
The findings were presented during a Policy and Priorities Committee meeting on March 3.
The results confirmed concerns that the Black Parent Council had been raising long before this review started.
“There’s nothing in the report that’s surprising,” Myrie remarked.
“Every single account was as terrible as we knew because we hear those stories every evening when our children come home after asking them, ‘How was your day at school?'”
LISTEN | Guelph Black Parent Council asks school board to develop anti-racism strategy:
The Morning Edition – K-W8:14Guelph Black Parent Council asks school board to develop anti-racism strategy p>A group of Black parents is urging the Upper Grand District School Board to create a strategy that helps their kids deal with racism at school. Marsha Myrie from the Upper Grand District School Board Black Parent Council shares her insights.
According to its findings, the review pointed out needs like “clearer governance and mandate delineation, more consistent complaint pathways that are transparent, defined response timelines for complaints received; strengthened representation among staff; transparency; along with improved consistency at schools regarding implementation.” p >
The report indicates that identity-based harm affects how underrepresented Black and Indigenous students are within honors-level classes-meanwhile they face higher rates of suspension compared to others. p >
“These trends highlight the Board’s responsibility towards addressing identity-based harm alongside inequitable outcomes systematically,” noted the review’s findings. p >
