Parents file complaint against board
York students faced racial and religious discrimination, Human Rights Tribunal told
Seven families have filed a joint human rights complaint against the York Region District School Board for “racial and religious discrimination” allegedly faced by their children while they were at school.
The complaint was filed with the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal on Friday by the Vaughan African Canadian Association (VACA) and National Council of Canadian Muslims on behalf of the families.
“YRDSB staff neglected to follow policy and protocol,” said Shernett Martin, executive director of VACA, speaking at a news conference Friday with a diverse group of parents and community groups calling for transparency and change at the board.
“The culture that exists relies on the code of protecting their system, even when that system is negatively affecting our children,” she said.
The families were not named in the complaint, but alleged incidents are described in detail. Among the complaints cited are:
A black child who was allegedly called a racial epithet by another student. When the parent complained, “the parent felt the principal dismissed her concern.”
A black child who was allegedly severely beaten by a group of white students while being called a racial epithet in an incident that was shared on social media. “The school did not suspend the suspects or follow board protocol . . . The child felt threatened and unsafe attending school,” the complaint says.
A teenage boy in high school who was allegedly picked on by his teacher for sporting an afro.
The complaint also cites the case of a Markham principal who was found to have posted anti-Muslim Facebook posts. Although Ghada Sadaka later apologized for the “discriminatory” posts, the complaint says the board “failed to follow its own policy . . . in carrying out a transparent and fair investigation.” At the time, the board said it could not comment on “personnel matters.”
According to the complaint, “each child no longer felt safe at their school. Their grades were affected, and their social skills were affected. They no longer wanted to go to school, take part in activities and had anxiety when approached by teachers in question.”
Christina Choo-Hum, a spokesperson for the York board, declined to comment. “Given we have not received the complaint, it would be inappropriate to discuss it,” she said. “We cannot speak to the specifics of individual students, nor would it be appropriate to discuss matters that may come before the tribunal.”
Previously, director of education J. Philip Parappally said: “We all share a goal to create learning environments that are safe and welcoming for all students and staff. As one of the most diverse and highest-performing jurisdictions in the province, our achievement comes in concert with equity and well-being.”
Ontario Education Minister Mitzie Hunter said in an email Friday, “every student — regardless of background or personal circumstances — is entitled to a safe, inclusive and accepting school environment, which is why last week I asked the York Region DSB to provide detailed information on how the board will investigate and address these complaints in writing by Jan. 13, 2017.”
The complaint suggests several remedies, including: mandatory equity training; an equity audit looking at hiring, promotion and protection of religious freedoms; the appointment of an education ombudsman; a public apology by the board and mandatory training and appropriate consequences for any teacher or principal found to have violated the human rights of students or families.
Over the past year, the Star has de- tailed several controversies at the York board, including allegations of racism and growing discontent among staff and community members who fear equity work and policies are being dismantled.
The Star first wrote about Charline Grant’s human rights complaint against the board in February over how her son was treated at his Vaughan school, allegedly targeted because of his race and religion. Her husband, Garth Bobb, said the complaint is still ongoing.
Last month, the head of equity for the board, Cecil Roach, wrote a scathing letter to senior staff, blasting the board for allegedly failing to properly deal with complaints of racism and fear of reprisals among those doing work in the equity field.
“York has become one of the most diverse regions in the country,” said Bernie Farber, executive director of Mosaic Institute, who was at the press conference. “The board needs to reflect that.”