Date of Submission

8-9-2023

Document Type

OIP

Degree

Doctor of Education

Department

Education

Keywords

anti-Black racism (ABR), Black educational leaders, aggressions, equity, systemic racism

Abstract

Anti-Black racism (ABR) is race-based discrimination experienced by Black educational leaders in the Ontario education system. Since the police officers murdered George Floyd, it has ignited the global Black Lives Matters movement. This has translated into K-12 Ontario schools with a more pronounced emphasis on addressing ABR and systemic racism to provide an environment that is rooted in equity. Despite this global action and ministry requirement, ABR continues to prevail and affects Black educational leaders’ ability to lead effectively. Black educational leaders are navigating a system that is unjust and rooted in colonialism which puts them at a disadvantage. Critical Race Theory lens is used in this Organizational Improvement Plan (OIP) to analyze the ability of Black educational leaders’ ability to lead effectively while simultaneously dealing with race-based aggressions consistently. Often, Black educational leaders must address stereotypes aimed at them due to the colour of their skin. This is an added burden that Black educational leaders encounter regularly. The problem is an action or comment may appear innocent; however, the impact is damaging towards Black educational leaders. These daily aggressions disrupt Black educational leaders’ ability to lead as well as cause additional unnecessary stress and adversity beyond the daily job requirements. This OIP outlines a change implementation plan using transformative and servant leadership approaches to help mitigate some of the ABR interactions experienced by Black educational leaders to create a workplace founded in equity and dignity. It also provides a platform for Black educational leaders to congregate and self-advocate safely.

Keywords: anti-Black racism (ABR), Black educational leaders, aggressions, Critical Race Theory (CRT), systemic racism, equity


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