Addressing Racial Harassment in Saskatoon Schools – Saskatoon | The Canadian News

Winston Blake says schools need to take a tight approach when it comes to dealing with discrimination.

The Restorative Action Program (RAP) runs in nine Saskatoon high schools and has grown as students recognize the issues they face.

“I think because the fact that they’re comfortable showing up to do that gives us an opportunity to say that we need to be able to respond to these young people,” Blake said.

“But more importantly, the need to be able to make sure that when we give those answers, they lead to good solutions.”

The RAP executive director added nearly half of the 8,000 students in the program who identify themselves as needing help from the program.

The Angus Reid Institute reports that more than half of Canadian students are aware of racial and ethnic bullying in their schools.

The Saskatchewan Teachers Federation (STF) said it has introduced diversity and inclusion training, providing several thousand teachers with skills on how to introduce anti-discrimination into their lesson plans.

“Done right, and as we know, our teachers are extremely professional, but it has become part of the everyday classroom environment, thanks to the commitment of numerous stakeholders involved in public education,” said STF Director of Learning Shaun McEachern.

The Angus Reid survey found that indigenous students are more than twice as likely to be victims of this type of bullying, while visible minorities are more than triple. About a quarter of students who said they were bullied based on their race noted that their teachers were either ignorant of the problem or not aware of it.

In a statement to Global News, the Ministry of Education said that the Saskatchewan curriculum provides opportunities for students to cultivate meaningful relationships and respect diverse beliefs and practices. It also offers funding to programs like RAP.

“Schools do an incredible job educating our young people, and many times we require them to really address the social and emotional needs of young people,” said Blake.

“We have to recognize that this responsibility cannot be exclusive to them. It shouldn’t just be theirs. “

The Angus Reid Institute noted that it had a smaller sample size than normal, with fewer than 900 students.

If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help, please contact us. There are resources available. In the event of an emergency, call 911 for immediate help.

The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention, Depression Pains and Help for Children 1-800-668-6868 offers ways to get help if you, or someone you know, may be experiencing mental health problems.