TVDSB report calls for pause on officers in schools
A new report from the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) recommends putting the Student Resource Officer (SRO) program on hold.
The program came under scrutiny following Black Lives Matter protests in London in 2020, after which a review was recommended. The board also conducted an online community survey earlier this year.
TVDSB Education Director Mark Fisher is apologizing to students -- particularly Indigenous, Black and Youths of Colour -- who have felt harmed or traumatized by the presence of police officers.
“Our top priority is to create learning environments where students feel supported and safe,” Fisher said in a statement. “I want to apologize to any student who feels we have failed to fulfill our duty to them.”
The board says their review has found a negative impact for some students, making it difficult for them to be in school.
Al Day, executive director at the N’Amerind Friendship Centre, and a member of the SRO Review Leadership Team, said a pause makes sense.
“Many of our young people have been mistreated. We heard this in the feedback. That their trauma is real. I support the pause in the SRO program and the work of creating together, led by the voices of Indigenous, Black and Youth of Colour, a new, better way of having youth and police interact.”
Fisher said it is clear changes must be made and, "the report recommends community members and police continue to work together with us to determine whether the concerns raised can be rectified."
London Police Service Chief Steve Williams added, “We need to listen to the voices of those who have been negatively impacted by police, particularly young people from BIPOC communities. We believe that by working together, we can create better ways to serve our school communities which is vital for improved relationships moving forward.”
The findings will be presented to school trustees on Tuesday along with the recommendation to pause the program for at least one year for further study.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.