Image Of Brampton Principal With Controversial Book Causes Uproar
Published September 6, 2019 at 6:19 pm
A Brampton Catholic school has been under fire after posting a picture of its new principal with a controversial book on her desk.
A Brampton Catholic school has been under fire after posting a picture of its new principal with a controversial book on her desk.
Cardinal Ambrozic Catholic Secondary School, located in the area of Castlemore Road and The Gore Road, posted a photo of its new principal on Twitter, which sparked many debates.
The photo has then been circulating across platforms and has garnered the attention of mainstream media.
Cardinal Ambrozic extends a warm welcome to Ms. Battaglini, our new Principal. We are excited to have her join our community. Looking forward to a fantastic year with her leadership. pic.twitter.com/MoB5nRpkRr
— CardinalAmbrozic CSS (@CardinalAmbro) September 3, 2019
The book, “The Guide for White Women Who Teach Black Boys,” has a provocative title, which has caused confusion about the content.
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The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board says the book is a helpful resource on tackling racial and cultural oppression in education.
According to the official summary of the book, it is meant to empower black boys to dream, believe and achieve.
“Schools that routinely fail Black boys are not extraordinary. If we are to succeed in positively shifting outcomes for Black boys and young men, we must first change the way school is “done…” This urgently needed resource is written specifically for [most white women] as a way to help them understand, respect and connect with all of their students,” states Writers Eddie Moore Jr., Ali Michael and Marguerite W. Penick-Parks in the book’s summary. “The Guide for White Women Who Teach Black Boys brings together research, activities, personal stories, and video interviews to help us all embrace the deep realities and thrilling potential of this crucial American task.”
Despite the book’s message, many people took to Twitter to share their concerns.
Not to rain on her parade as new principal, but I feel very offended as a black student who attends Louise Arbour Secondary School by the book that is on her table…why would you guys post this on a“school’s” twitter account what kind of example are you guys setting,outrageous
— Ck (@CksCornerrr) September 6, 2019
Lol you think shes gonna read that? Its a prop for the photo look at the placement dont be fooled and chances are the book is useless anyway
— Justin J (@justinpmj) September 5, 2019
If you need to be reading this book then you are in the wrong profession!!! This is absolutely ridiculous!!!!!
— boombah naturals (@Boombahnaturals) September 6, 2019
The truly sad part is that you think you don't need assistance or guidance on teaching white boys. If you were any kind of parent you would know that colour has absolutely NOTHING to do with how they act. They're teenagers! They were meant to be challenging. Burn that book!
— Mary Anne Head (@CAKED_INK) September 6, 2019
Though, many people have also praised the principal.
This lady is going out of her way to utilize all resources she can possibly get ahold of in order to make a positive impact in her black student’s lives. I cannot even fathom how anyone views this negatively. I am proud to know our youth is in good hands
— Steven Trifunoski (@TrifGaming) September 5, 2019
She’s making a concerted effort to be able to better teach and build up young black men. We see white people trying to do something to curb racism in our society we have people tearing them down again for what? She is literally trying to understand the best way to empower POC
— Ravin Wong (@RawVintageW) September 5, 2019
As a black teen I appreciate that the principal is taking time to reach out to her African American students
— Moonrocks (@PaintPSN) September 5, 2019
I admire your dedication to your students and for challenging and educated yourself on issues related to systemic racism! This book is attempting to break down barriers, not create them!
— Chimene Boyes (@BoyesChimene) September 6, 2019
Cardinal Ambrozic’s principal sent home letters on September 6 to parents/guardians explaining the incident.
“The book is written by three educators, one of whom is a Black male author named Dr. Eddie Moore. Dr. Moore has dedicated his life’s work to challenging systemic racism within education and beyond,” says M. Battaglini, principal of Cardinal Ambrozic. “The book’s title has been misinterpreted by some as a book that is there to harm. In actuality, the objective of the book is to address the real problems and challenges associated with racism towards a specific identifiable group and to give real solutions to addressing anti-Black racism. The book is about empowerment and creating a school environment where no one is left behind and where all students can succeed.”
What do you think about Cardinal Ambrozic’s principal reading “The Guide for White Women Who Teach Black Boys?”
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