York University launches first-of-its-kind initiative to address barriers for Black youth across Canada

York University is launching a three-year initiative to enhance the representation of Black youth at universities across Canada by supporting upper-year high-school students as they plan for their future, such as pursuing post-secondary education or work, and aiding in the transition and retention of those who pursue university.

In the media - The great ouster: Find lost students and woo them back to school

Students who have fallen out of the education system due to the pandemic risk forming an underclass with diminished prospects, and the Ontario government needs a major outreach effort to bring missing students back to its classrooms, says the head of a global commission for education recovery.

Fear and discomfort shouldn’t block anti-racism efforts in schools

Addressing racism in the classroom requires educators to ask hard questions of themselves, white discomfort, and the discarding of old traditions.

Education alumna appointed to oversee anti-Black racism strategy at YRDSB

York University alumna Darcie Sutherland has been appointed to the role of Principal of Inclusive Schools and Community Services: Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Strategy at the York Region District School Board (YRDSB).

In the media: Racism in schools, and a battle for respect

“Ideals and values like respect are not neutral,” says Vidya Shah, an assistant professor in the Faculty of Education at York University in Toronto. “For families whose children are experiencing harm and violence in schools, the most respectful thing to do is to stand up,” she says. “To somebody else who doesn’t want to admit that families are experiencing racism, respect might be to stay quiet.

FESI wraps up 2020-21 series with webinar that explores streaming in schooling

The final event in the five-part Faculty of Education's Summer Institute (FESI 2020-21), held virtually over the last several months, will wrap up on April 21 with a dynamic, diverse panel that will explore streaming and educational pathways in Ontario schools.

The Conversation Canada Podcast: How to spark change within our unequal education system

Carl James, professor of education at York University and Kulsoom Anwer, a high school teacher who works out of one of Toronto's most marginalized neighborhoods, Jane and Finch, were on The Conversation Canada Podcast episode 3 to discuss the injustices and inequalities in the education system – and the way forward.

Fear and discomfort shouldn’t block anti-racism efforts in schools

Addressing racism in the classroom requires educators to ask hard questions of themselves, white discomfort, and the discarding of old traditions.

COVID-19 and Vulnerable Migrants across Africa

This talk primarily draws on a social analysis conducted by the World Bank’s Social Sustainability and Inclusion team. The analysis covers the evident and expected socio-economic risks and impacts of COVID-19 for mobile populations (these include, economic migrants, refugees, asylum-seekers, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), returnees, migrant workers and irregular migrants) and host communities across Africa.

In the media: 'I couldn't let it go': How the expulsion of a Black student led a former vice-principal to quit

For 13 years, Paul Raso experienced different challenges working as a teacher and vice-principal in one of Toronto's most marginalized communities, but it was the way his school board handled the expulsion of one Black student — and the departure of that student's brother, as well — that Raso says finally pushed him to leave.