To:

Colleen Russell-Rawlins, TDSB Director of Education

TDSB Trustees

Honourable Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education

We, the undersigned are writing to address our deep concerns regarding the alarming escalation of antisemitism, hate and harassment within the Toronto District School Board (the “TDSB”).

In the TDSB statement of February 22, 2022, the TDSB acknowledged the need to confront racism, discrimination and hate, with a particular focus on antisemitism. As a positive step towards this goal, we understand that the TDSB has adopted the IHRA definition of antisemitism on which to base future action. However, as parents and concerned community members, we have yet to see any concrete strategies or actions as a direct outcome of the TDSB’s February 22nd statement informed by the framework of the IHRA definition. In light of the disturbing spate of antisemitic incidents within the school system, we are urgently seeking immediate action on the following issues:

• We ask that the TDSB clearly articulate and share the specific strategies devised and steps that have been and will be taken to combat this alarming rise in antisemitism;
• We ask that the TDSB identify and evaluate steps that have been taken, in light of the present circumstances, to ensure the safety and well-being of all students, staff and families within the TDSB.
• We ask that the TDSB immediately train all TDSB teachers, administration and staff on the IHRA definition and its implementation. If TDSB staff are not able to identify antisemitism when it occurs, the entire framework of data collection, action plans, educational opportunities, and victim support fail. 

It is our understanding that Jewish teachers, students and their families feel unsafe and unsupported in this present school environment. When there are no clear strategies in place to address antisemitism it sends a message of inaction to the community and the targeted group is left feeling the incident has been tolerated. This lack of action adds to the ambiguity around the school’s position on addressing antisemitism and other hate crimes. Each hate incident victimizes not only the immediate victim but also the entire community, leaving people of all faiths and cultures feeling exposed and unsafe.

While schools are obligated to provide a safe learning environment for its students and teachers, it is incumbent upon all of us within the TDSB system and community at large to ensure that the school system works towards encouraging tolerance, acceptance and accountability for all members of that community. 

As such, we urge the TDSB to acknowledge and validate the fears these antisemitic incidents beget, and demonstrate decisive leadership by taking swift and concrete actions to address the concerns detailed in this letter.