Staff at Toronto school say they're receiving death threats amid near-daily fights, violence
Staff at a Toronto high school say their environment has become unsafe – with students using bathrooms as “fight clubs” and death threats being levied at teachers – leading more than a dozen staff to walk off the job earlier this month.
On a condition of remaining anonymous for fear they could lose their job, two York Memorial Collegiate Institute staff members spoke to CTV News Toronto.
"I think right now our school is likely the most unsafe school of all of TDSB," one staff member said.
"Three vice principals to date have either been assaulted or had death threats," they said, noting that two of the incidents involved confiscated drugs.
In a Toronto District School Board (TDSB) letter sent to parents on Monday, the board acknowledged that the amalgamation of York Memorial and George Harvey have resulted in challenges.
"We know that this is a newly forming school community and it hasn't been without its challenges, concerns and indeed some fears, but we are committed to working collaboratively so all students and staff feel welcome and safe at school and work. They deserve that," the letter read.
The TDSB announced a new temporary principal will be taking over this week until they find a permanent one. They also added an executive advisor to address the issues at the school. The search to fill two vice-principal positions is also underway.
‘SWARMED’ BY STUDENTS
For weeks, York CI’s teachers have felt unsafe, with some adding they’ve been “swarmed by students,” and are witnessing near-daily fights.
They explained that students also feel unsafe, and are even avoiding school bathrooms.
"There was one dedicated to sex acts," said a staff member, who said another was being used for alleged drug use and a third had been deemed a so-called “fight club.”
"The older kids are making the kids that are going to use the washroom fight with each other," said a staff member, "and they're video taping it."
The staff members say students that need to go to the bathroom are either holding it in or leaving the school property.
"Students are using bathrooms in stores off site, they leave the school if they absolutely cannot hold it to either go home or use a washroom at a fast food place close by," they said.
After weeks of turmoil, the principal, along with several members of the school’s administration, did not show up to work on Nov. 2, citing an unsafe work environment.
MAYOR HAS MET WITH SCHOOL BOARDS, POLICE
Mayor John Tory, the Toronto Police Service and The Toronto District School Board met on Monday to discuss violence in schools.
"Right now the city, police and school board often operate on their own," said Tory, "I can just tell you, we're united."
He said he has already asked for another meeting to track progress.
One of the staff members who spoke to CTV News Toronto said there were probably 100 students out of the roughly 1,300 at the school causing the safety concerns, but they are hopeful some long-term solutions will solve what they're calling a "turf war" between the students and staff.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.