Incident at Iroquois Ridge HS
April 26

Information for Iroquois Ridge HS Families & Staff


April 28, 2024


Dear families and staff of Iroquois Ridge High School,


We are aware of a video circulating online showing a staff member speaking with some students at our school. In the video, the staff member is shown using harmful and discriminatory anti-Palestinian racist language toward a student. This incident took place in the school office on Friday, April 26. 


We are deeply concerned by this and share our community's concerns that this behaviour is harmful and unacceptable. Anti-Palestinian racism, and racism in any form, is not tolerated at our school. Iroquois Ridge HS, along with all schools in the Halton District School Board (HDSB), strongly condemns this behaviour and are committed to upholding the Human Rights Code. 


Discriminatory and harmful language causes pain and trauma to individuals to whom it is directed and to those who witness and/or share the same identity. We seek to affirm the identities of all students and build a community free from discrimination in all its forms. 


The HDSB Discriminatory and Harmful Language Protocol provides clear expectations for how we respond when harm is caused. We will be reviewing our expectations with all staff. This incident highlights that as staff and school leaders, we need to deepen our learning and understanding of racism and discrimination. We strive to create a space at our school where all students feel safe, welcomed and valued.


The staff member in this video has been assigned home, pending an investigation by the Halton District School Board Human Resources Department into the incident. 


Students who wish to talk about how they are feeling or who are in need of support are encouraged to speak, at any time, with a trusted adult including a teacher, Educational Assistant, Social Worker or school administration. Further resources are provided below.


If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me. 


Sincerely,


John Stieva 

Principal

Iroquois Ridge High School

Community Resources and Support