Ontario Premier Doug Ford said on Thursday that the province's grade nine math curriculum should not be the place for the discussion of social topics.
The comment came after the Ford government quietly deleted a section of the curriculum that stated that math reinforced Euro-centric ideas of objectivity.
WATCH: Ford says social topics like racism should not be included in Ontario’s math curriculum.
— Roberto Wakerell-Cruz ?? (@Robertopedia) July 15, 2021
“Let’s talk about it, no doubt. But let’s not talk about it in math.” pic.twitter.com/RaA2mcQ5Qv
The curriculum specifically stated: “Mathematics is often positioned as an objective and pure discipline. However, the content and the context in which it is taught, the mathematicians who are celebrated, and the importance that is placed upon mathematics by society are subjective."
It continues: "Mathematics has been used to normalize racism and marginalization of non-Eurocentric mathematical knowledges, and a decolonial, anti-racist approach to mathematics education makes visible its historical roots and social constructions.”
On Thursday, Ford said that classes such as social studies were more fitting for conversations of that nature, saying: "That area (racism) can be talked about in history, social studies... But what we need to do is focus on financial literacy, we need to focus on coding. These are real things that kids are going to have to learn to get a job in the future. So in math, let's stick with math. Other social issues, let's talk about it, there's no doubt, but let's not talk about it in math. Talk about it in other courses that the schools offer."
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