HDSB investigating video of Oakville school staff member using ‘anti-Palestinian, racist’ language toward student wearing keffiyeh
Posted April 29, 2024 5:32 am.
Last Updated April 29, 2024 4:17 pm.
The Halton District School Board (HDSB) has launched an internal investigation into a video circulating online that shows a staff member using what it says is “harmful, discriminatory, anti-Palestinian racist language” toward a student.
The video posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, by the Muslim Advisory Council of Canada, shows a woman speaking to a student wearing a keffiyeh and urging him to “be careful.”
The student then accuses the staff member, reportedly a guidance counsellor, of calling him a terrorist.
“That’s the only part you heard. I said it reminds me of one, yes,” she replies. “Hamas?” the student asks. “Yes,” the staff member says.
“I am not a terrorist, and you don’t treat me like a terrorist, but I look like one?” he asks again. “That reminds me of [one],” she again replies.
HDSB investigating video, staff member placed on leave
John Stieva, the principal of Iroquois Ridge High School in Oakville, sent out a letter to parents and guardians on Sunday night, saying the incident occurred in the school office on Friday.
“We are deeply concerned by this and share our community’s concerns that this behaviour is harmful and unacceptable,” wrote Stieva.
“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 [is] committed to upholding the Human Rights Code.”
Stieva confirmed that the staff member in the video has been “assigned home” pending an investigation by the HDSB human resources department.
“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,” Stieva noted in the letter.
“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.”
A spokesperson for Ontario Education Minister Stephen Lecce shared a statement to CityNews, saying the province expect education staff to model behaviour and create a learning environment where everyone belongs.
“These comments are unacceptable and deeply offensive. I am glad that [the HDSB] has taken swift action on this matter.”
Muslim Advisory Council of Canada speaks out
The Muslim Advisory Council of Canada, which shared the video on X, issued a statement on the alleged racist incident that took place at Iroquois Ridge High School last week.
A spokesperson said no student should feel unsafe at school for donning a keffiyeh and applauded the investigation being carried out by the HDSB.
“Reacting promptly, the board placed the educator on administrative leave and has initiated a comprehensive investigation to maintain a safe and supportive educational environment,” the statement read.
“Our commitment remains clear: discrimination, including anti-Palestinian racism, has no place in our education system and beyond.”
