Examining the educational rights of Black Caribbean diasporic youth in Toronto, Canada

Abstract

Canada recognizes diversity as a social fact, committing itself to a policy of multiculturalism, which ensures the right of individuals to preserve their cultural heritage while participating fully and equally in Canadian society. As a signatory of the United Nations Convention on The Rights of the Child, Canada further commits to supporting and upholding the human right of all young Canadians to an education. This chapter examines the tensions and contradictions that exist between Canada’s stated commitments and the lived realities of Black Caribbean diasporic youth (BCDY) in the province of Ontario’s education system. We demonstrate that the educational experiences and outcomes of BCDY are marked by systemic anti-Black racism, which contravenes Canada’s promises of equity and access. We draw on data collected from eight semi-structured focus groups with forty-eight BCDY in the greater Toronto area, along with statistical and qualitative data from secondary sources such as Statistics Canada and the Toronto District School Board. We further propose that Black-led community-based programs have served to support BCDY in navigating, negotiating, and surviving inequitable schooling experiences. Critical race theory and critical human rights theory are used to frame the discussion on the ways in which the rights of BCDY are compromised in greater Toronto educational institutions and spaces.