Peel board reviewers to be named this week
Team will investigate complaints of racism, trustee dysfunction
The two troubleshooters being sent in to probe allegations of racism and trustee dysfunction at the Peel public board will soon be revealed, Education Minister Stephen Lecce says.
“The reviewers will be announced this week. We just are, I think, finalizing the minister’s letter (for the appointments) for each, and their work will commence immediately thereafter,” Lecce told reporters at Queen’s Park on Tuesday.
Last month, the Peel District School Board reached out to the ministry for “assistance and intervention” as it struggles with deep divisions among trustees and allegations of anti-Black racism, among other issues.
Soon after, Lecce said the province would step in to examine what is going on and make recommendations for improvement.
Chair Stan Cameron said the board looks forward “to working with Ministry of Education reviewers as they look into issues raised by this board, the director of education, staff, students and community members” and that they would do so “in an open and transparent manner.”
In a statement to the Star, Cameron also said “the mandate of the reviewers is to provide observations and recommendations to the minister of education on issues of human rights, equity, and racism, specifically anti-Black racism, human resources practices, leadership and issues of governance, and trustee conduct.”
When Lecce said he wanted an “immediate review” of the Peel board, he said “schools must be safe, inclusive, and welcoming places for students, staff, and the entire community … Discrimination and prejudice against students is unacceptable. That is why I am confirming our government will be taking action.”
Even Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie has said she is “deeply troubled by the allegations” in the Peel board.
Last month, a trustee belatedly apologized after referring to McCrimmon Middle School in Brampton as “McCriminal,” though the board’s integrity commissioner later found he had not violated the code of conduct.
The Star also revealed that Poleen Grewal, who is in charge of anti-discrimination initiatives, had launched a human rights complaint against the board.
Lecce has asked the reviewers to produce a report by the end of February to “ensure effective board governance that promotes equity, increases accountability and transparency, and safeguards the success and well-being of students — irrespective of heritage, faith, colour of skin, orientation, or socioeconomic status.”