Markham student charged for allegedly making anti-Black comments during online class
Posted September 24, 2020 11:42 am.
Last Updated September 24, 2020 2:51 pm.
Police have charged a Grade 12 student in Markham after he allegedly made several anti-Black comments during an online class in April.
York police say they received the report from a high school staff member back on April 15 regarding hate-motivated comments made during class.
The student allegedly made the comments until the online session was forced to be shut down.
Investigators were able to identify the student and on Sept. 17, they charged Tristan Stronach, 18, with indecent communications.
York Region District School Board (YRDSB) confirmed the incident occurred during an online learning session at Bill Crothers Secondary School.
YRDSB said they are not be able to discuss specifics of the case or those involved, but said they were “grateful to the York Regional Police for laying charges related to this incident of anti-Black racism.”
In a statement, they added the incident deeply affected staff and students at the school and have been working to support and “further educate them and the community about issues of equity and inclusivity in general and anti-Black racism in particular.”
“We know the actions of one individual are not reflective of our whole school community and expect all our teaching and learning spaces to be ethical, safe, welcoming and inclusive,” the statement added.
The teen will appear in court on Dec. 8 in Markham.
