QUEEN’S PARK — Mike Schreiner released this statement after the province announced an end to streaming in Grade 9 and a ban on suspending younger students:
“I support any decision to end discriminatory practices and build anti-racism into the fabric of our school system.
Streaming at an early age has unfairly pushed racialized students towards applied courses, stunting their academic potential and lowering their graduation rates.
Practices such as streaming and suspending younger students are problematic because they reinforce the inequalities between students.
I am glad the education system is being re-evaluated through an anti-racist perspective so that we do a better job of closing the gaps between students.
The Ministry should consult with teachers and affected communities on these and other changes, such as the police liaison program, that will improve the lives of racialized students.”