Province to spend $340,000 to tackle anti-Asian hate in Ontario schools

TORONTO — The Ontario government is putting up $340,000 to help tackle anti-Asian racism in classrooms.

The province says the pandemic has sparked a surge in discrimination and hate crimes against people of Asian descent in Canada.

It says the money will be used to help students learn in a more inclusive environment.

Part of the funding will go to mental health supports for students, families and teachers of Asian descent.

Money will also go toward developing online resources and tools to help Chinese Canadian households talk to their children about racism.

Overall, the province is spending $6.4 million on equity-related projects as part of its Safe Return to Class Fund.

“Racism and discrimination have no place in our schools,” Education Minister Stephen Lecce said in a statement.

2:00 New survey finds dramatic increase in anti-Asian racism since pandemic began