September 27, 2024
The Honourable Jill Dunlop
Minister of Education
438 University Avenue, 5th Floor
Toronto, ON M7A 1N3
Dear Minister Dunlop,
I am writing to you on behalf of the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) with an update on the recent student excursion to the Grassy Narrows River Run on September 18, 2024 -- a community event organized in support of the Grassy Narrows First Nation and their efforts to address mercury contamination impacting their community. This excursion was organized as an educational experience for students to hear from Indigenous voices about the ongoing challenges faced by the people of Grassy Narrows, however a number of students may have been involved in or were exposed to political demonstrations during the trip. Staff expressed their regret and apologized to students and their families who were impacted.
Staff immediately launched an investigation on Thursday, September 19, 2024, within 24 hours of the event in question. Staff also announced a review of our field trip procedures and gave notice across the system that, at this time, students should not be participating in organized protests/rallies/marches as part of any school-related outing.
Our commitment to a thorough investigation was publicly affirmed in a statement released on September 20, 2024. We received the Ministry's announcement on September 24, 2024, to conduct its own investigation and during a Special Board Meeting on September 25, 2024, Trustees voted unanimously to fully cooperate with it.
In doing so, Trustees also voted to request the following from the Ministry's investigator:
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That the Board of Trustees and staff confirm their full cooperation with the Ministry of Education investigation.
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Recommendations for reviewing relevant existing policies and procedures, considering current Ministry curriculum requirements, our obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Education Act, the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, and the Board’s Multi-Year Strategic Plan.
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Adequate Ministry resources to complete the investigation in a timely manner, ideally no later than December 1, 2024.
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The final report to be provided to the Board of Trustees and Board administration.
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A public version of the final report for the TDSB to share on our public website, ensuring compliance with privacy legislation, the Human Rights Code, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and other applicable laws and TDSB policies.
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Monthly updates on the investigation’s progress until its conclusion.
As was previously publicly shared, if the investigation concludes that TDSB policies, procedures, or professional standards were not followed, staff have stated clearly that they will take appropriate action to ensure accountability.
Trustees also voted to advance the scheduled review of the TDSB’s Excursions Policy from the 2027-2028 school year to the current school year. During the Special Board Meeting, the Acting Director of Education reiterated the suspension of school field trips to protests, marches and rallies. The Acting Director further informed Trustees that as a result of the Ministry’s investigation, TDSB has suspended its internal investigation and will refocus its efforts to cooperate with the Ministry’s investigation.
As always, I welcome the opportunity to discuss this matter further with you and am available at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
Neethan Shan
Acting Chair, Toronto District School Board