Correspondence from Margo Shuttleworth, Chair of the Halton District School Board and Curtis Ennis, Director of Education re:Professional Advisory on Antisemitism and the Holocaust.
February 11, 2022
Dr. Derek Haime
Registrar and Chief Executive Officer
Ontario College of Teachers
101 Bloor Street West
Toronto, ON M5S 0A1
Dear Dr Haime,
We are writing to you to express our joint support for establisling a Professional Advisory on
Antisemitism and Holocaust Denial/Distortion within the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT), as proposed by the Canadian Antisemitism Education Foundation.
The numerous examples in OCT disciplinary hearings of educators who have shared erroneous and distorted antisemitic information is an indication of a problem within Ontario’s teaching profession. The public could understandably perceive these allegations as unprofessional and inconsistent with the Ontario College of Teachers’ Professional and Ethical Standards for the teaching profession, and ultimately undermine the public’s confidence and trust in the profession.
A resolution passed by the United Nations General Assembly in January 2022 urges Member States to develop educational programs that will educate future generations with the lessons of the Holocaust in order to prevent future acts of genocide. The Halton District School Board supports the recommendation to develop programs for educators that instills true understanding and respect.
We urge you to adopt a Professional Advisory on Antisemitism and Holocaust Denial/Distortion, similar to the recent development of the Professional Advisory on Anti-Black Racism.
Antisemitism and Holocaust denial are serious and ongoing issues facing Ontario’s teaching profession and education system. We believe the support of Ontario College of Teachers in developing this advisory would be a step toward ensuring an inclusive educational environment for all students and staff.
Sincerely,
Margo Shuttleworth
Chair of the Board of Trustees
Curtis Ennis
Director of Education