On March 2, 2021, the York Region Region District School Board of Trustees voted to rename the former Vaughan Secondary School after Hodan Nalayeh, following a community consultation process.
The renaming was initiated by Black community leaders, who brought the issue to the Board’s attention for action. We are thankful for their leadership, advocacy and their efforts.
We also want to thank the students, families, staff and community members who shared their input throughout the consultation process.
We recognize that this situation can affect families in different ways. Supports, including identity-specific support for Black students will be available. If you have any questions please contact your school.
Hodan Nalayeh was a Somali-Canadian journalist and Vaughan resident who worked to empower and give voice to women and youth, and the Somali community. We are proud to name a school after her and know that her life and legacy will inspire students, staff members and the community. The school will be the first in the Board named after a Black, Muslim woman. In the future, we will look for ways to celebrate the renaming of the school and Hodan Nalayeh’s legacy.
Sincerely,
Louise Sirisko, Director of Education
Cynthia Cordova, Board Chair