Question 4 – Zone 10 Responses
Contents
The Question in brief
Responses from:
– Erica Braunovan
– Wesley Campbell
– Justin Laku Sr.
The Question in Brief
In your opinion, is equitable, inclusive education important? Why or why not?
Erica Braunovan
I have a strong commitment to equity. I am encouraged that these questions are being asked, however at this point in the campaign, I don’t have the time resources to answer the questions fully as they are asked.
I will say that I am running on my record, and that record demonstrates my use of an equity lens in my approach to all the work of the board.
Wesley Campbell
The job of the school board is to provide an equal education to every student regardless of race or faith. If that is not being done than perhaps we need to look at administration in the schools and classrooms where it is not being done. We also need to make sure that the same opportunities under our control are available to every student equally.
I would vote for any initiative that A) has been shown to work in a positive responsible manner or B) shows a creative way to deal with a problem we have not solved.
I come from a large family, it includes I believe a member of every race, 5 faiths, and different sexual orientations. Perhaps it is because of my lifelong exposure to different types of people and beliefs but I think a heavy dose of tolerance in the younger grades goes a long way in opening up a future where this question is never asked again.
Justin Laku Sr.
I believed education should be for all regardless of students’ cultural and religion background as well as origin. For instance, German educational system-Education for all and free.
I am committed to make sure that no First Nations; Afro-Canadian; Arab-Canadian, Lation-Canadian and any disadvantage students be left behind in our school system.
Would you vote in favour of an initiative similar to the DDSB’s Equity and Diversity Strategic Framework?
Yes, I would support and I’m in favour of an initiative like the DDSB’s Equity and Diversity Strategic Framework.
Please provide between 1-5 examples of practical steps you would want to see included in a comparable document.
I am committed to fight for recruitment of teachers from the First Nations; Afro-Canadian; Arab-Canadian and Latino-Canadian communities.
The current composition of teachers is not reflecting above communities.
The current hiring system is preventing school principals from hiring or even interviewing qualified teachers from the above communities. The current hiring system requires major changes.
The irresponsible suspension of First Nations; Afro-Canadian; Arab-Canadian and Latino-Canadian students’ due misbehaviors is not acceptable. Schools’ suspension policy must be review and school administration should be held to accountable for any irresponsible suspension.
Members of First Nations; Afro-Canadian; Arab-Canadian and Latino-Canadian communities should engage school administrations regarding unfair treatment of specific students from specific communities.
Do you believe that there is a role for alternative, self-directed programs to play in promoting equity and inclusion? Why or why not? You are invited to consider Danh’s story while responding.
I am saddened and sorry to hear Scott’s ordeal and what he and family had gone through and suffered due to lack of wrong policy. No child should be left behind regardless of his health condition, cultural and religion backgrounds.
The current school system could not cater for each student with special needs. My approach to resolve Scott’s issue is to have a parallel decentralized system to existing one, and thus why I am advocating for decentralization of education so that, Scott will get his share of learning.