While strip searches are allowed at high schools in Quebec, they're not allowed in Ontario.
Director of Education at the Lambton Kent District School Board Jim Costello says the board would never advocate a strip search. "If a vice-principal or principal felt that a student was in possession of a weapon or narcotics for the purpose of trafficking, we ask that they call the police as soon as possible or immediately," says Costello.
The director also cites an incident in 1998 at Kingsville District High School where about 20 Grade 9 students suspected of stealing cash from a fellow student were strip searched. "I think that was a landmark case for all school boards in Ontario," says Costello. "And at that time superintendents and directors reviewed that with their vice-principals and principals and reaffirmed that we're not in the business of searching students, really that's a police matter."
The issue has gained national attention after a 15-year-old girl in Quebec was recently strip searched because the school suspected her of selling drugs. Quebec's Minister of Education says if the search is done in a respectful manner, and the strict guidelines are followed, it is permitted when student security is in question.
The family now plans to sue the school board.
