OCDSB is using ‘equity’ argument to silence dissent

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The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board claims its Elementary Program Review proposal is all about improving equity. This framing suggests that anyone opposed to the plan is opposed to equity, which has a chilling effect on disagreement. The OCDSB is employing “because equity” as a thought-terminating cliché.

“Thought-terminating cliché” comes from the work of psychiatrist Robert Jay Lifton and refers to loaded, reductive and definitive-sounding language used to end an argument without addressing its points. Much like “it is what it is” implies a lack of agency, “because equity” implies that disagreement is veiled bigotry. It discourages continued conversation.

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As a parent of two kids at an OCDSB school, I know these changes are not only about equity. Yes, there are equity problems in and between schools but there’s also a perennial bus driver shortage, a large budget deficit, and a ministry that won’t allow school closures, even if buildings are mostly empty.

Unfortunately, the board didn’t trust parents enough to have an adult conversation. It didn’t lay out the challenges, explain the bind, and seek help and concessions from communities. It also failed to produce evidence that the plan delivers results. Instead, the board repeats “because equity,” hoping its audience dutifully shuts up.

The board has equated equity with improving French immersion access, but under the current structure, 100 per cent of OCDSB students can enrol in French immersion if they choose. Not everyone does. Does the board know why not, and is proximity to a school offering French immersion the key reason? If so, show us the data. If not, what are we even doing here?

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Parents didn’t take long to notice strange inconsistencies in the plan: questionable boundary and program changes, and odd grandparenting exceptions. As it turns out, the OCDSB tinkered to avoid triggering Pupil Accommodation Review (PAR) guidelines that would require far more community consultation. The OCDSB compromised its plan to avoid consulting parents.

For what? We don’t even know if this plan addresses the challenges. Heck, even on equity, it sometimes feels like a step backwards. Under this plan, children currently enrolled in some special education programs will be forced back into regular classrooms. The trustees have already OK’d firing 150 staff, so we know the educational assistant cavalry isn’t coming. The stories from the parents of these children have been heartbreaking. Where is the equity for these kids?

The timing is unfortunate because equity is both important and under attack. By using “because equity” as a thought-terminating cliché, the board minimizes the real work needed to improve equity in our schools. The board should take a mulligan and try again.

Dave Bagler has two children attending Elgin Street Public School.

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