CUPE Nova Scotia President Nan McFadgen before Law Amendments this morning: “A large part of the inclusion program is working with students with special needs. This work is performed by dedicated CUPE members who are educational program assistants and teacher assistants. There has been no place for their voice in the Commission on Inclusion.”
Richard Starr looks at Bill 72 and the arguments in favour of eliminating the regional school boards and finds they don’t hold much water. “To turn around now and inflict collateral damage on minority representation by getting rid of school boards (except CSAP) is reprehensible. At best, it says that minority representation on school boards was just tokenism, a politically correct initiative to be abandoned on a whim.”
News release: “On Monday, March 5th, from 2pm-6pm, Nova Scotians will gather at the Provincial Legislature to once again try to make their voices heard. Women’s March Canada and Equal Voice Nova Scotia are partnering with educators, parents, and administrators to ask the Government of Nova Scotia to pause Bill 72 and take time to consult before implementing changes to the education system.”
Community activist Tina Roberts-Jeffers on the Glaze Report and what it teaches us about the nature of anti-Black racism. “Anti-Black racism asks you to simply avert your eyes in this moment. Let us be clear however, at least today, when we ask ourselves: “why does anti-Black racism persist?” A decision like the one to legislate away the only non-partisan independent locally elected representation accountable to the people every four years is as clear an example of the “systems” part of systemic anti-Black racism, as any other.”
Media release by NSTU president Liette Doucet on the decision not to pursue job action.
If and when the teachers go on strike I hope other unions will do more than talk about solidarity and hold a couple of rallies,
Pamela Lovelace writes on the elimination of school boards. “The long, sordid history of racism and sexism in Nova Scotia continues to simmer with this oppressive decision. Women and African Nova Scotians will no longer have a seat at the local decision-making table.”
Suzy Hansen, District 5 representative on the Halifax Regional School Board, speaks at today’s Province House rally about the lack of consultation with the Black community, and the loss of important African Nova Scotian voices, while the government pursues the Glaze Report recommendations. “It’s challenging enough for African Nova Scotians to run for politics, the obliteration of an entire level of electoral representation without consultation with the communities they serve demonstrates the government no longer wants their voices included in discussions about them.”
The Nova Scotia College of Social Workers in this news release adds its voice to those opposed to the Glaze Report recommendations.
“Our province consistently fails to truly understand the structural issues that impact child and youth welfare. Nova Scotian children and youth education is profoundly impacted by stressors including income and food insecurity, colonial and racial biases, and our failure to understand trauma.”
With all the talk about the impact of the Glaze Report on teachers it’s easy to forget about the elimination of school boards. “Damn right the teachers should strike — what else will wake up this neo-liberal and nasty government,” writes Judy Haiven.