Winnipeg School Division's Professional Development Day

The Winnipeg School Division (WSD) has found itself in hot water following a significant misstep during a recent professional development day, where a provocative message was displayed.

On Wednesday, around 5,000 WSD staff gathered at the Canada Life Centre for an in-service day that focused on essential themes of Indigenous education and equity. However, tensions flared when the event's scoreboard displayed the contentious phrase, “Resistance to colonialism is not terrorism,” drawing sharp reactions from attendees.

Superintendent's Response and Keynote Speaker's Clarification

In response to the backlash, Superintendent Matt Henderson issued a statement expressing regret for any offense caused. He acknowledged that the statement was misinterpreted by some attendees, who associated it with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, despite the keynote presentation's focus on educational practices.

Columbia University professor Chris Emdin, the keynote speaker, attempted to clarify the intention behind his remarks. He emphasized that his discussion was centered on colonial teaching practices and the potential for students to exhibit intimidating or aggressive responses. Emdin labeled divergent interpretations of his message as “intellectually dishonest.”

Escalation of Tensions and Community Reactions

Despite efforts to clarify, the tensions escalated during the presentation, resulting in approximately a dozen teachers walking out in protest. One Jewish educator, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed that the statement felt laden with anti-Semitic implications. They highlighted the timing of the message, coming so soon after the tragic events of October 7, and criticized the lack of consideration for how such statements could resonate painfully across various communities, including Jewish, Palestinian, Muslim, and Arab individuals.

The Jewish Federation of Winnipeg joined the outcry, condemning the phrase as problematic and potentially justifying violence in the context of the Israel-Hamas conflict. They expressed concerns that framing acts of terror through the lens of resistance endorses a disturbing narrative that undermines the suffering of innocent civilians.

Calls for Accountability and Future Considerations

In light of the incident, the Federation reached out to the Winnipeg School Division, urging for accountability and an official apology. One teacher voiced hopes that the division will reconsider future keynote speakers and ensure that invited figures genuinely comprehend the educational mission and values of the WSD.

“It’s crucial that those sharing messages with us understand our needs and the diverse perspectives of our community,” they suggested. “Equity should apply to all staff, and that means being thoughtful about who is brought in to speak.”

Conclusion: Navigating Complex Social Issues in Education

This incident not only highlights the need for sensitivity in educational contexts but also sparks a broader conversation about the responsibility of educational institutions to navigate complex social issues mindful of their diverse audience. As dialogues about colonialism, resistance, and equity continue to evolve, the impact of words used in educational settings remains critical. How will the WSD move forward in rebuilding trust within its community? Only time will tell.