91ÑÇÉ«

91ÑÇÉ« experts available to discuss back-to-school related topics

With students arriving back in classrooms, experts from 91ÑÇɫ’s and beyond are available to speak to the issues impacting education this back-to-school season.

Carl James

Recognized nationally and internationally for his work in education and equity, Professor has written many books on race, education and immigration. In particular, his research looks at the Black experience in Canada and how anti-Black racism continues to be perpetuated in systems such as education and employment. James currently holds the position of Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community & Diaspora. Current projects include community outreach such as the Day at 91ÑÇÉ« programming that helps Black high-school students see themselves in post-secondary  and the Jean Augustine Mentorship program that pairs Black students at 91ÑÇÉ« with those entering the university. He also has partnerships with Black researchers across Canada that will serve to create better data on race and education. 

James is available for interviews on:

• The educational experiences of Black youth in Canada
• Race, racism and racialization in the school system
• Equity, inclusion and social justice pertaining to marginalized Canadian students
• The disproportional educational achievements of Black female and male students 
• Generational differences in the social and schooling experiences that lead to the academic performance and educational outcomes of racialized students

Molade Osibodu

Drawing on experiences growing up in Nigeria, working as a secondary school math teacher in South Africa, and obtaining her PhD in the U.S., Faculty of Education Associate Professor ’s research examines the enduring impacts of coloniality in math education, with a focus on the lived experiences of Black youth and educators in Canada and Sub-Saharan Africa. Grounded in decolonial frameworks, Black geographies, and participatory research methodologies, her scholarship explores how mathematics curriculum, policy, and pedagogy are shaped by eurocentric and racialized structures.

Osibodu can speak to: 

• Math education broadly and the experiences of Black youth in mathematics classrooms in particular
• Critically examining the role of mathematics in society and who is deemed "naturally able" to do and be successful in mathematics
• Changes to Ontario curriculum, including new rules for financial literacy learning and why excessive testing does not necessarily lead to more learning 

Sue Winton

The privatization of public education shows itself in a number of areas, says , 91ÑÇÉ« Research Chair in Policy Analysis for Democracy and the author of Unequal Benefits: Privatization and Public Education in Canada. Privatization undermines the public school system and perpetuates inequalities, says Winton. 

Winton is available for comment on: 

• How policy plays a role in supporting or undermining public education 
• How increasing privatization can affect kids, families, communities, and democracy
• How school fees, fundraising, school choice, and specialized programs can all contribute to the increasing encroachment of privatization

Note: Winton is away at a conference Aug 30 - Sept 9 is not available for media interviews at that time. 

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91ÑÇÉ« is a modern, multi-campus, urban university located in Toronto, Ontario. Backed by a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners, we bring a uniquely global perspective to help solve societal challenges, drive positive change, and prepare our students for meaningful life and career paths. 91ÑÇÉ«'s Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education. 91ÑÇɫ’s campus in Costa Rica offers students exceptional transnational learning opportunities and innovative programs, while at the Markham Campus, innovation, technology, entrepreneurship and industry collaboration are built into every program. 91ÑÇɫ’s new School of Medicine, the first Canadian medical school to focus on community-based primary health-care education, will welcome its first cohort in September 2028. Together, we can make things right for our communities, our planet, and our future.

Media Contacts: Emina Gamulin, 91ÑÇÉ« Media Relations, 437-217-6362, egamulin@yorku.ca