New research shows why Winnipeg schools feel unsafe for Black and Indigenous students
New research from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives shows that racism in schools, as well as police in schools, are some of the main reasons schools feel unsafe for Black and Indigenous students.
The report, titled, ‘Safer Schools Without Policing Indigenous and Black Lives in Winnipeg, is based on interviews with 24 youth, 13 parents and legal guardians, and two key informants.
Most of the participants were Indigenous and/or Black and went to schools or had kids who went to schools in the North End or Downtown Winnipeg.
The research found that police involvement in schools targets racialized students, criminalizes their behaviours, and interferes with their right to privacy and safety.
Fadi Ennab, the lead researcher, said he undertook this study to find out what Black and Indigenous families felt about policing in schools and safety in schools.
“The findings are first that racism is a big issue in the lives of Indigenous and Black families in the school system. This is a historic and an ongoing issue,” he said in an interview on Wednesday.
Ennab added that having police in schools compounds the issue.
“It aggravates it. It escalates the situation, and often leads to criminalizing and targeting Indigenous and Black families, which is also pushing them out of school with long-term impacts emotionally, physically, psychologically, and also in terms of social outcomes in the community,” he said.
The report recommends ending policing in schools, having diverse educators and staff who are trained in anti-racism, and providing resources and support such as Elders, counselors, educational assistants or social workers.
It also suggests that schools gather data on police involvement and equity-related information to implement anti-racism guidelines and policies.
Ennab said though this type of research has been done before, this report is significant as it shows this is an issue in Winnipeg.
“It’s hard for politicians and school administrations to ignore this research because now it’s not just a U.S. or a North American problem – it’s a Winnipeg problem,” he said.
Ennab said his hope going forward is that we can now have open discussions in the Winnipeg school system.
“Sometimes we ignore the racism that’s happening in our own sight, in our backyards, in our classrooms, in our hallways,” he said.
Ennab did the study in partnership with grassroots advocacy group Police-Free Schools Winnipeg.
Winnipeg police said in a statement to CTV News Winnipeg that there continues to be misunderstandings and misinformation about school resource officers, adding the program is in place to help divert youth from the justice system.
“The small study that you referenced by Fadi Ennab, involved 24 youths, 13 parents/legal guardians, and two other sources, is not specific to the School Resource Officer (SRO) Program in Winnipeg and appears to be impacted by global and national perceptions regarding SRO,” the statement said.
Police cited a survey from the Prairie Research Associates that found 74 per cent of Winnipeg respondents said it was important to them to have police provide crime education safety in schools. This was up from 68 per cent in 2019.
“The report makes a number of recommendations to education leaders that the Winnipeg Police Service fully supports and implements for our own members such as anti-racist training and policies, hire diversity, and equity initiatives. The WPS also employs a trauma-informed equity approach and will continue our efforts to strengthen the positive relations with the community.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Here's how much more Canadian landlords are asking for now, according to a just-released report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
Canada abstains from Palestinian UN membership vote but supports two-state solution
Canada was one of 25 countries that abstained from a United Nations vote on Palestinian membership that passed with overwhelming support on Friday.
More than half the Canadians once detained in Syrian camps for suspected ISIS family members have returned home
A total of 29 Canadians have been freed from detention camps in northeast Syria and brought back to Canada since human rights advocates began lobbying for their release years ago.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.