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In seeking a “fresh start” for a struggling school in Toronto’s Parkdale neighborhood, the school council and the Black Student Success Committee have called for Queen Victoria’s name to be removed and replaced with something else.

The request, addressed to the Toronto District School Board, says that following the “unfortunate effects of ETFO’s professional action, the continued experiences of anti-black racism and the Covid-19 pandemic,” now is the perfect time. for a “name change” of the school.

“The desire for a new name is representative of a ‘fresh start’ for the school community among a series of other positive changes,” the request read.

He says the school, with the “hopeful spirit of Parkdale Village” running through it, places a strong emphasis on the values ​​of literacy, equity and community development.

“We are convinced that the time has come to rename the school with a new name that honors and reflects these values, while stimulating renewed energy, a sense of connection and focusing on a positive path for the future – for our school community and our neighborhood, ”it says.

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However, the move to change the name of Queen Victoria Public School has been criticized by some who view the plan as an act of desecration of Canadian history – a move akin to the beheading of Sir John A. Macdonald or the renaming of the Langevin Block in Ottawa.

“Now the crowds are coming for Queen Victoria,” Senator Linda Frum wrote on Twitter on Wednesday.

Victoria – whose first name was actually Alexandrina before she came to power and began using her middle name – was Queen when Canada became a nation. Patrice Dutil, professor at Ryerson University, explained that much of the West was colonized during her reign, “so it made sense to name public places after her.

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But times are changing.

“Some names fall out of favor for good reasons. This may be because new findings have shown them to be bad, or because their importance has faded over time and public favor or recognition has faded, ”Dutil said. “It’s good and natural.”

Several other historical figures in Canada have been subject to name changes because of their racist attitudes and beliefs. In Edmonton, downtown Oliver Quarter faced name change requests. It is named after Frank Oliver, Member of Parliament and Minister who died in 1933 and responsible for anti-Black and anti-Indigenous policies.

Schools have also been targets. The Edmonton Public School Board voted to change the name of the Oliver School, as well as the Dan Knott School. Knott, a labor activist, was also friends with the Ku Klux Klan.

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The Queen Victoria Public School Board and its Black Student Success Committee have applied to the school board. The board planning committee approved the request on Wednesday, and it will now go out to the entire school board on May 26. After that, the name change process could begin, the school board explained in an email.

“The ability to potentially rename a school is an opportunity to teach students about the history, leaders and heroes of their community,” said a letter to parents from Matthew Webbe, Principal, and Debbie Donsky, Superintendent of education.

The school has also taken various other actions to fight equality, according to letters on its website that detail how the school has tackled the controversy over anti-black racism, programs that also include staff. and students. The school name change is only part of this comprehensive approach.

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While the name change request cites a school board policy which states that there are few schools in Toronto named after people of color and that there are “some schools” named after those of color. who have a racist heritage or who do not “reflect the values ​​of contemporary Toronto,” the request centers on a name change initiative. He does not specifically mention Queen Victoria as a separate subject of anger and does not label her as an unacceptable racist to have a school named after her.

Queen Victoria Public School, located in the Parkdale neighborhood of Toronto, was first built in 1887 and rebuilt in 1999. Recently, it has been the scene of high profile racism issues that have taken the desire into account. of a fresh start, according to the letter seeking the name change.

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In particular, in January 2020, a racist letter was sent to the outgoing deputy principal, referring to several black and racialized teachers.

“I’m so happy to see you go,” the letter said. “You and your little crew doing everything black this and black that.” So what, whites don’t count?

This letter was returned to Toronto Police for investigation as a potential hate crime; police have since concluded that there is no risk to the safety of those mentioned in the letter.

Several other official complaints regarding anti-Black racism at school have been filed with the school board, according to an update of ongoing investigations posted on the school’s website in December 2020.

The Black Student Success Committee did not respond to the National Post’s request for comment.

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