Events around the world and more recently in our community have brought issues of systemic racism, inequity, and injustice to the fore. The Lester B. Pearson School Board acknowledges that racism exists in society and has longstanding historical roots. The devastating impact of discrimination and racism can no longer be ignored. The Lester B. Pearson School Board denounces racism and discrimination in all forms. Our school board has always been committed to equity, inclusion, and respect for all. We are actively re-examining the ways in which we live these values, the ways we do not, and the work we must do to honour them. We pledge to work together with our community to lead positive change. We commit to undertake actions that will improve the learning and social experiences for the students and communities we serve. As educators, we must take an active role in addressing racism with students and staff. As citizens, we have a responsibility to raise our level of awareness and join in the collective fight for positive social change.
We deeply regret the anger and pain generated within our community. Our goal is to learn from this experience and move forward in a positive and constructive manner. We will look to provide our students and staff with opportunities, both in and out of the classroom, to learn about and discuss issues that affect disenfranchised communities and highlight the historical context of these important topics. 

TASK FORCE ON EQUITY AND INCLUSIVITY

Dorval, QC, July 15, 2020 - At the special meeting of the Council of Commissioners on June 22, 2020, the Council passed a resolution, “Declaration of Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination”, that not only reaffirmed the School Board’s anti-racist position, it went further by establishing a Task Force to be comprised of administrators, commissioners, staff, students, parents, and representatives of minority and disenfranchised communities to oversee the development of a comprehensive action plan to address all forms of racism and discrimination in the LBPSB. The Task Force was mandated to start work immediately, with a status report to the Council of Commissioners no later than September 1, 2020. A significant first step was achieved this week with the naming of Dr. Myrna Lashley as the Chair of said Task Force.