A plan to form Toronto's first Africentric high school was put on hold on Tuesday after a lively debate that threw the program's proposed location into question.
Hundreds of community members gathered in the auditorium at Oakwood Collegiate, on St. Clair Avenue West, to speak on the formation of the alternative school on Wednesday night.
A proposal to place the Africentric school inside Oakwood Collegiate was leaked over the weekend, surprising many of the school's students and their parents.
Wednesday night's public meeting was the first opportunity for public feedback on the topic.
While many came out to support the school, a significant number in attendance argued the plan would threaten the school's diversity.
"We are here to listen to each other, and I think we are going to learn from each other," Jim Spyropoulos, TDSB co-ordinating superintendent for inclusive schools, told CTV Toronto on Wednesday.
"The emotion that is on display tonight is something to be celebrated."
The Toronto District School Board said on Tuesday the proposal would be put on hold to allow time for more public consultation.
In 2009, the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) opened a black-focused elementary school. The school now has a waiting list to get in.
