Unpacking Racism in Canadian Education: New Research & Tools for Change
In 2024, the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights (JHC) was contracted by the Canadian Network for Equity and Racial Justice (CNERJ) to conduct a literature review examining the impacts of racism across Canada's education system, including primary, secondary, and post-secondary institutions.
Drawing on a wide range of publicly available research, as well as the John Humphrey Centre's extensive grassroots community experience, the project explored how racism affects students, and their learning environments. The end result was the development of three tools: a report, a report brief, and a video featuring youth representing some of the obstacles endured within these institutions.
The purpose of the report is to provide an in-depth overview of the research. It examines the existing literature on racism in education, identifies recurring themes and systemic barriers such as Anti-Black and Anti-Indigenous Racism, and highlights key findings and recommendations. It is intended for readers who want a detailed understanding of the research and the evidence supporting its conclusions.
The purpose of the report brief is to summarize the most important findings and recommendations from the full report. It presents the key messages in an accessible format, making it a useful resource for educators, community organizations, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the impacts of racism in education.
The purpose of the video is to feature youth voices that reflect some of the barriers and challenges experienced within educational institutions.
Why These Tools Matter
Research has the greatest impact when it is accessible and meaningful to the people who can use it. By presenting the findings in multiple formats, this project ensures that different audiences can engage with the research in the way that best suits their needs, whether through a comprehensive report, a quick summary, or a compelling visual story.
Together, these tools support greater awareness of racism in education and contribute to ongoing conversations about equity, inclusion, and meaningful change within Canadian educational institutions.
“It is essential that solutions be rights-based and informed by international human rights which are clearly defined in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural
Rights, the Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and the Truth and Recommendation Commission Calls to Action.”