‘No evidence’ of forcible confinement of young Black student: Toronto police

Police say they have found no evidence of racism following an investigation into allegations that a young student was forcibly detained by staff at a midtown Toronto school.

Officers have closed the investigation into John Fisher Junior Public School, saying they found no evidence that staff engaged in hate-motivated, forcible confinement of a six-year-old Black student earlier this year.

The boy’s mother alleged her son was the victim of anti-Black racism and was involved in dozens of incidents at the school, claiming he had been put inside a closet-sized room alone with a desk that had hateful messages written on it.

“Although we understand these allegations are upsetting, the thorough and consultative investigation undertaken found no evidence to support the laying of charges,” reads a statement from Toronto Police Service.

Investigators say they interviewed dozens of people including the alleged victim, the victim’s family, school staff, students and parents. Police say they also consulted with groups who specialize in child-focused investigations.

TDSB conducting their own 3rd-party investigation

The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) said they began their own investigation after learning about the alleged incident on March 2.

In addition to being confined in the small room, the young student’s mother alleged he was forced to sit alone in a corner of the classroom and was told by his teacher that he was “obnoxious and unpleasant to be around.”

The advocacy group Parents of Black Children (PoBC) called on the Ontario Human Rights Commission to initiate an inquiry into anti-Black racism in schools as a result of the allegations. CityNews has reached out to the group for comment on police closing their investigation.

Back in March, PoBC said parents often find they are ignored when they raise similar concerns. The organization launched a new “advocacy framework” that aims to ensure parents are not left in a situation where school leaders don’t meet with them or their advocates.

A large group of parents also spoke out following the concerning allegations against the teacher. One specific parent, whose daughter is in the same class as the student involved, shared a petition signed by the group in which they defend the teacher, calling them “an extremely dedicated, attentive, and caring teacher who has worked hard to create a safe learning environment for all of our children.”

The petition from the parents demanded that any investigation should include the voices of parents who have children in the accused teacher’s class.

The school’s principal, vice-principal, and a teacher remain on paid home assignment while the third-party TDSB investigation continues.