The Halton District School Board (HDSB) is reportedly looking into an incident that occurred at one of their schools.
A video surfaced over the weekend that showed an interaction between a guidance councillor and a student. In the video, the student is being confronted by the staff member for wearing a keffiyeh. The student accuses the woman of calling him a “terrorist” for wearing the clothing.
We're troubled by @HaltonDSB Guidance Counselor likening a student to a terrorist for wearing a keffiyah-a cultural piece of clothing. We've alerted @HaltonDSB administration. More updates coming soon. #noroomforhate pic.twitter.com/aJNOYA2xvI
— Muslim Advisory Council of Canada (@MACCMuslims) April 28, 2024
According to reports, the HDSB has launched an internal investigation.
This incident occurred at Iroquois Ridge High School in Oakville. Their principal, John Stieva, has sent out a letter to parents and guardians regarding the interaction:
“Dear families and staff of Iroquois Ridge High School,
“We are aware of a video circulating online showing a staff member speaking with some students at our school. In the video, the staff member is shown using harmful and discriminatory anti-Palestinian racist language toward a student. This incident took place in the school office on Friday, April 26.
“We are deeply concerned by this and share our community’s concerns that this behaviour is harmful and unacceptable. Anti-Palestinian racism, and racism in any form, is not tolerated at our school. Iroquois Ridge HS, along with all schools in the Halton District School Board (HDSB), strongly condemns this behaviour and are committed to upholding the Human Rights Code.
“Discriminatory and harmful language causes pain and trauma to individuals to whom it is directed and to those who witness and/or share the same identity. We seek to affirm the identities of all students and build a community free from discrimination in all its forms.
“The HDSB Discriminatory and Harmful Language Protocol provides clear expectations for how we respond when harm is caused. We will be reviewing our expectations with all staff. This incident highlights that as staff and school leaders, we need to deepen our learning and understanding of racism and discrimination. We strive to create a space at our school where all students feel safe, welcomed and valued.
“The staff member in this video has been assigned home, pending an investigation by the Halton District School Board Human Resources Department into the incident.
“Students who wish to talk about how they are feeling or who are in need of support are encouraged to speak, at any time, with a trusted adult including a teacher, Educational Assistant, Social Worker or school administration. Further resources are provided below.
“If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me.”
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