December 3, 2015 RE: Response to Amesbury Middle School Incident As the only Black female trustee of Canada’s largest school board I will not be silent on a matter that highlights a very deep complex issue that affects most Black women; the subject of hair.

In secondary school I was called “Sideshow Bob”, after the Simpson character by my peers for proudly displaying my natural hair. I didn’t intend to bring any attention to myself, and neither did I anticipate for people at school to label me, but what I did know, is that it wasn’t meant to be a compliment. Although my peers may have meant it to be funny and not necessarily negative, it made me self-conscious, insecure and brought on social anxiety. There have been many times I was delayed or decided to deny myself opportunities because I was not sure if my hair would have been seen as ‘professional’ or acceptable. Throughout my entire life, my hair has been a topic of discussion by many.

Society’s obsession with hair, particularly women’s hair and more specifically Black women’s hair, represents a larger issue of objectifying and policing women’s bodies. We must create change where our children will see a deeper value in character, education, cultural pride and in their academic excellence as opposed to having to worry or anticipate rejection, humiliation and judging of their bodies by peers and worst yet by adults they trust.

I’ve decided to write a few lines because I pride myself in transparency, and I’m committed to becoming the person my community has elected me to be. On a daily basis I work with TDSB staff and fellow trustees that are eager to build on these progressive strides we have made, whilst remaining firmly committed to areas requiring more growth and accountability.

I look forward to working with our key stakeholders - our children, parents and community members along with our TDSB staff as we move forward in tackling the systemic issues impacting our children’s learning. It is my vision, as it is yours to see our children empowered and proud of themselves as they achieve socially, emotionally and academically. Sincerely,

Tiffany Ford Trustee, TDSB Ward 4