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
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.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
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.
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.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
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.
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.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.