Keeping the Peace: Social Justice Unionism in a Canadian Context

Authors

  • Cindy Rottmann OISE/University of Toronto

Keywords:

teacher unions, teacher activism, anti-racism

Abstract

In this paper I argue that the liberal white fantasy of civility , held deeply by many Canadians is precisely the condition that works against the possibility of anti-racist activism within the context of our organizations. I do this in the spirit of supporting meaningful anti-racist activism on the part of Canadian teachers’ unions—a goal that I believe cannot be achieved until we face up to our complicity in educational racism. My argument is based on an analysis—through a combined conceptual lens focusing on race, nationalism and knowledge production—of four keynote addresses given at an event I attended in the spring of 2007 sponsored by a Canadian teachers’ organization.

Author Biography

Cindy Rottmann, OISE/University of Toronto

Cindy Rottmann is a Ph.D. Candidate in the Department of Theory and Policy Studies at OISE/University of Toronto. Her research interests include teacher unionism, critical theory, and educational leadership.

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Published

2009-02-28

Issue

Section

Position Paper/Essai