Could some English-language schools in Windsor-Essex see name and mascot changes?
The Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) is expected to consider the issue at its meeting on Tuesday afternoon, with a report on the issue listed on the agenda. The report before the board not only identifies a handful of schools that may be seeing a name or mascot change but also outlines a potential process for implementing it.
"A presentation was made to all school administrators sharing information as to the motion by the Board of Trustees to review all school names and mascots, the 'why' of this work, and the process for consultation with school communities," read the report's introduction. "Administrators were asked to share information with their respective school communities and complete a survey by mid-June noting any information they were aware of as to why the school name or mascot was selected. Administrators were asked to reach out to their present staff and-or past staff and their parent councils or alumni."
The report is a summary of a review commissioned by the school board, with a total of 69 school names and mascots as part of the review. The 69 schools and mascots were divided into three categories, with the "high" classification requiring immediate attention, "medium" requiring some form of look in the near future, and "low" requiring little or no concern.
School names that have a "high" classification on the report are Prince Edward Public School and Queen Victoria Public School, both in Windsor. Prince Edward Public School, named after the prince who later became King Edward VIII, is recommended for immediate change due to "Edward VIII’s history of antisemitism, racism and discriminatory exploits, [which] is inconsistent with the GECDSB values and commitments in relation to human rights and equity."
The name change for Queen Victoria School is recommended due to the increase in British colonialism during Victoria's reign, which according to the rationale in the report, "led to the destruction of significant land, lives, and culture."
For mascots, the report listed two with a "high" category. They are the Queen Victoria Public School "Vikings", and the former "Raiders" of Roseville Public School in Windsor.
"Vikings typically symbolize victory through brutality and violence," read the rationale in the report. "Additionally, they perpetuate harm through raiding and plundering which is inconsistent with GECDSB Character Education traits."
Roseville has since changed its mascot to the Ravens, but the report said the school was listed with a "high" classification because raiders also symbolize victory through "brutality and violence".
The school board will be asked to approve a review process during the current school year. If approved, the board will follow a process that will cycle every five years.
The complete report can be found in the agenda for Tuesday's meeting, on the board's official website.