8

REPORT TO THE 2015 ANNUAL MEETING ON 

ETFO’S EQUITY AND WOMEN’S PROGRAMS

benefits? Of course, ETFO has always seen itself as a union interested in positive social transformation. 

One of our constitutional objectives is “to foster a climate of social justice in Ontario and continue 

a leadership role in such areas as anti-poverty, non-violence, and equity.” After the Sun articles 

we did hear from many members, and from other groups and individuals who are engaged 

in the work. They were looking for ways to participate in the workshop and in the follow-

up curriculum writing project. We also heard how happy and impressed they were to see a 

teachers’ union addressing the topic head on.

The discussion continues, fuelled by events that daily demonstrate the workings of racism and 
privilege in many devastating forms. Despite the hate mail, including death threats, received by ETFO’s 
president, Sam Hammond, and others associated with the project, ETFO remains committed to and 
proud of its mandate to tackle white privilege and other social justice issues. The same kind of backlash 
was experienced when we placed an emphasis on issues of heteronormality and homophobia several 
years ago, but the materials and workshops created as part of that initiative are now very much in 
demand with ETFO members and locals. 

Re-Thinking White Privilege is still a new project for ETFO. All local leaders have participated 
in a version of the workshop, and some locals are now requesting it for their members. 
Responses have been generally positive, but there is no denying that people, including 
ETFO members, approach this topic from a wide range of perspectives, and that for 
many this is a new and unwelcome idea. Some react with anger and denial; others feel 
a paralyzing guilt that effectively shuts learning down; while others are dismayed that the 
workshop does not go far enough. We have expanded our capacity by training more members to 
facilitate the workshop; another group of members is currently working on print resources to 
accompany the workshop and inform the discussion.

The work of ensuring schools are welcoming and respectful of students in all their diversity, and of 
educators, too, is ongoing. 

This article, written by Carol Zavitz, appeared in The Winter 2015 issue of 

Our Schools/Our Selves  

(vol. 24, no. 2, #118), published by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.  

Reprinted here with permission.