A Ministry of Education probe into complaints of racism and trustee dysfunction at the Peel school board is encouraging people to speak out, granting participants anonymity so they feel safe in coming forward.

The Peel District School Board has posted details on its website about the review to be led by two provincially appointed independent troubleshooters, who have not yet been announced. A final report with recommendations will be submitted to Education Minister Stephen Lecce by Feb. 28, 2020.

The mandate of the reviewers will include how the board has handled issues of human rights, equity and racism, specifically anti-Black racism, as well as human resources practices, trustee conduct and leadership governance issues.

Members of the Peel board community wanting to participate can schedule an interview or share written comments by emailing PDSBReviewers@ontario.ca The names of participants will not be released publicly and will only be identified, if necessary, in the report to the minister. However, reviewers cannot provide “an absolute guarantee of confidentiality,” since disclosure of names could be required by a court order.

Trustee David Green, who’s been outspoken about systemic racism at the board, believes the ministry’s move to grant anonymity will “encourage people to come forward.”

“I’m hoping that the staff, students and parents who have been going through stuff will be able to come forward and feel confident that their names will not be shared.”

He said there’s a culture of fear at the board, adding he has heard from staff who have said they feared speaking out about discrimination because they were “afraid of reprisal.”

Last month, trustees at the board wrote to the ministry requesting “assistance and intervention.” In early November, Lecce announced he would be appointing reviewers to look into the allegations.

“Schools must be safe, inclusive, and welcoming places for students, staff and the entire community,” he said at the time. “Allegations related to equity in the Peel District School Board have raised concerns, specifically related to anti-Black racism and lack of adherence to governance, leadership and human resources practices.”

In a posting on its website, the Peel board says it “takes these issues very seriously and welcomes this opportunity to work with the reviewers in an open and transparent manner.”

“We remain committed to providing Peel board students and staff with safe, welcoming and inclusive learning and working environments,” it reads.

Last month, the Star revealed Poleen Grewal, who’s in charge of the board’s anti-discrimination initiatives, launched a human rights complaint against it, alleging racism and harassment.

Also in October, Trustee Will Davies apologized after referring to McCrimmon Middle School in Brampton — comprised of predominantly Black and Brown students — as “McCriminal,” outraging many members of the community. Davies said he used the term because it’s a nickname and never intended it as a racist comment.

Last week, the board’s integrity commissioner Sandhya Kohli ruled Davies did not violate the code of conduct or engage in an act of racism. In her report, which does not include recommendations, Kohli said Davies used the “humorous slang term” while referring to his own children who had attended the school. Davies made the comment during a private conversation, which included Trustee Kathy McDonald.

Kohli was at a board meeting Tuesday evening where the board of trustees was divided — six in favour and four opposed — on whether to receive the report.

In a statement, Chair Stan Cameron, who voted in favour, explained, “Voting to receive this report does not mean the board agrees or disagrees with the report.”

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“I can understand how hurt and harm was felt, and how this term could have been perceived as racist,” he said. “My opinion isn’t the relevant part here. How the community feels and interprets this word is what is most relevant. We need to continue to redress the impact of this matter.”

In an interview with the Star prior to the Tuesday meeting, McDonald said, “The report makes no sense,” adding if someone uses a racial slur, while joking, that doesn’t make it all right.

“It is totally disregarding the impact (the term McCriminal) has on people in this school and on people hearing it,” said McDonald, who voted against receiving the report. “I don’t attend the school, but it impacts me negatively.”

Earlier this month, when announcing the review, Minister Lecce noted, “discrimination and prejudice against students is unacceptable.”

He also said the final report by the reviewers will include recommendations on how the Peel board can “ensure effective board governance that promotes equity, increases accountability and transparency and safeguards the success and well-being of students — irrespective of heritage, faith, colour of skin, orientation or socio-economic status.”

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