Upper Grand Boards reviews the role of police in schools

The Upper Grand District School Board is reviewing the role of policing in their schools, in the light of worldwide attention on racial injustice.

After the death of George Floyd in May sparked worldwide protests, the school board formed a task force in June to try to understand the impact of police presence in schools on racialized students, families and staff.

To gain insight, a virtual town hall meeting will take place next week for students, staff, parents or guardians and community members to provide their input.

On Tuesday, October 20 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., the board will hold a virtual town hall where participants can provide their input to questions in a format that is fair and inclusive, facilitated by Thought Exchange.

The board will also launch a survey for those who were unable to join the town hall, asking survey participants the same questions posed to town hall participants. Links to the virtual town hall and survey will be posted on the board's web page on October 20, 2020.  https://www.ugdsb.ca/schools/safe-equitable-and-inclusive-schools/provide-your-input-police-presence-in-ugdsb-schools/

People can also call Superintendent Cheryl Van Ooteghem at 822-4420 ext 747  to provide their views.

The scope of the Police Presence in Schools Task Force Review includes both the elementary and secondary panels (JK to grade 12) in the UGDSB. The following factors are being considered as part of the task force:

• Review and respond to the role of police presence in schools and their impact on all students, families and staff.
• Gain an understanding of the impact of police Gain an understanding of students, families and staff experience with police presence in schools based on socio-economic status.
• Gain an understanding of 2SLGBTQIA+ students, families and staff experience with police presence in schools.
• Gain an understanding of students, families and staff experiencing mental health interventions by police presence in schools.
• Listen to the voices of local organizations and agencies, students, families and staff related to police presence in schools.

Membership on the task force is comprised of three staff members, two trustees, one student trustee and community members representing community organizations and agencies. The work of the committee is facilitated by co-chairs Superintendent of Education Cheryl Van Ooteghem and consultant Marva Wisdom.