Middle school students were forced to take part in a protest in Toronto earlier this week, where teachers allegedly instructed them to wear blue shirts to identify themselves as “settlers” and “colonizers,” Canadian media and government officials reported on Friday.
‘You’ll get over it’
While the protest had been in support of the Grassy Narrows First Nation and the ongoing water crisis, anti-Israel chants reportedly quickly took over.
On the permission slip it explicitly stated that “students will not be participating in rallies itself”Then what is this? @tdsb your schools are now openly lying to parents and sending them to scream anti-Israel slogans with no understanding. @JillDunlop1 it’s time for action pic.twitter.com/C6Pytn8qjo
— Ariella (tortured poet version) (@ariellakimmel) September 19, 2024
One Jewish student expressed their discomfort to their teacher about the anti-Israel chants, the student’s cousin told the Sun. The teacher allegedly responded, “You’ll get over it.”
At a @tdsb sanctioned field trip. this event was to focus on mercury poisoning and the health and well being of the Canadian indigenous communities. Students would not participate but rather “observe.” Zero accountability to the curriculum, to the parents and to the students pic.twitter.com/IWf5ZK1FAB
— Maya Fitzpatrick (@mayahoodblog) September 19, 2024
An Indian student who recently migrated to Canada also reportedly asked the teacher to stop referring to him as a “colonizer.”
Officials condemn the incident
Ontario Education Minister Jill Dunlop said she felt “deeply disappointed.”
I am deeply disappointed by yesterday’s events. Compromising the security and safety of students is unacceptable. I expect TDSB to conduct a thorough review of the situation and ensure accountability with parents and students to prevent future incidents. https://t.co/kktw7aTPNY
— Jill Dunlop (@JillDunlop1) September 20, 2024
They lied about the purpose of the field trip.They lied about what students would do.The @TDSB teachers who lied to #Toronto parents must be held accountable. pic.twitter.com/PNEXpfopWM
— Kevin Vuong (@KevinVuongMP) September 19, 2024
Sorry @TDSB but this apology is not enough. The board must keep a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students, and you failed. Any rational calculation would have prevented this school trip from happening. Parents expressed their legitimate concerns and you ignored… pic.twitter.com/rBgR4TFKBe
— CIJA (@CIJAinfo) September 20, 2024
