Both the Thames Valley District School Board and the London District Catholic School Board have announced a review of their school resource officer programs following concerns raised by Black Lives Matter organizers.
The organizers say the presence of police officers in schools could trigger feelings of anxiety for Black and Indigenous students.
The TVDSB and the LDCSB say an independent third-party group will review the program’s effectiveness.
The move is part of the board’s ongoing examination of practices that may result in barriers to equity and inclusion and perpetuate systemic inequalities.
Thames Valley education director Mark Fisher says the community will be involved in the review aimed at finding — quote — “a path toward reconciling past systemic injustices.”
The review will be led by The Centre for Organizational Effectiveness and involve the active support and collaboration of the London Police Services, St. Thomas Police Services, OPP (West Division) and Woodstock Police Services.
