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Universal Design for Learning
Equity Education and Anti-Oppression Frameworks

Antiracism

Antiracism is an important anti-oppression framework and one we will explore often in this course.

As we are all aware, racismOpens in a new window continues to be a problem in education. The OHRC issued an open letterOpens in a new window to all public colleges and universities in Ontario that listed and condemned actions and inactions that perpetuate racism – including anti-Black racism.

Anti-Black racismOpens in a new window refers to stereotyping and systemic discrimination that is directed at people of African and Caribbean descent, stressing the history and experiences of slavery and colonization as they are reproduced today.

Antiracism is a range of analyses and actions meant to counter the impacts of the social construct of raceOpens in a new window, such as racial prejudice and systemic oppressionOpens in a new window. It is considered part of an anti-oppressiveOpens in a new window approach. Antiracism involves taking intentional action to challenge racist Opens in a new windowattitudes, behaviours, practices, and policies. Antiracism work can be done at the individual, community, and institutional level.

Learn More

Are You Racist?Opens in a new window (Runtime: 2:25 min). Note: This video discusses matters related to sexual violence; we encourage engagement in self-care as necessary.

Antiracism is also a form of pedagogy. Educators can take an antiracist approach in how they engage with learners and by providing culturally responsive and relevant curriculumOpens in a new window. This includes examining intersectionalityOpens in a new window; that is, how raceOpens in a new window intersects with other facets of identity including gender, class, disability, sexual orientation, etc.

Antiracism also involves interrogating white privilegeOpens in a new window by challenging contexts created by racistOpens in a new window structures. It is important to note that being antiracistOpens in a new window is different than being non-racist. As Marlon James says, “Most of us are non-racist. While that leaves us with a clear conscience, it does nothing to help fight injustice in the world.”

There are several principles that inform an antiracist approach. These principles will be returned to throughout the course.

Principles of Antiracism:

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