University of Ottawa Study Reveals Racism in Schools Severely Impacts Black Students' Mental Health

A groundbreaking five-year study led by Professor Jude Mary Cénat at the University of Ottawa has found a direct link between racial discrimination in Canadian schools and increased symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and PTSD among Black students.

The comprehensive research, which used a mixed-method approach combining large-scale surveys and in-depth interviews, focused on the seven provinces where the vast majority of Canada’s Black population resides. It revealed that over 40% of Black students reported experiencing racial discrimination within educational institutions, challenging the perception of schools as inherently safe spaces.

The study found that a permissive climate of racism within schools and universities not only exacerbates mental health issues but also erodes trust in educational systems. Black students often feel unsupported, as teachers and school authorities frequently fail to adequately intervene in incidents of racial discrimination.

Schools should be places of protection and growth, said Professor Cénat, Director of the Interdisciplinary Centre for Black Health and the Vulnerability, Trauma, Resilience and Culture Research Laboratory. Instead, many Black students are forced to navigate environments that diminish their well-being and potential.

The research calls for urgent government action, including anti-racist policy reforms, culturally appropriate mental health resources, and improved training for educators. Professor Cénat emphasized that systemic change is necessary: We cannot ask Black youth to simply be resilient. We must fix the systems they depend on.

The findings underscore a critical need to make Canada’s academic institutions truly inclusive, supportive, and safe for all students.

Source: https://www.uottawa.ca/research-innovation/news-all/racism-schools-harms-black-youths-mental-health