June 15, 2022

PRESS RELEASE

As a community organization that was established to Lead, Educate, Advocate and Celebrate the Black Community in Dufferin County, we are disheartened to have heard about the anti-black racism incident and crime that occurred at Center Dufferin District High School on Monday, June 13^th. 

DCCBA was alerted to the incident during lunch on June 13^th and immediately started to investigate what took place. By early evening we were in touch with the families impacted and have guided conversations and provided support/resources where possible. 

We have also been in touch with the Principal at Center Dufferin District High School, the Trustee, and other members of the UGDSB leadership team to request a meeting with the families who are directly impacted by this horrific crime. We are pleased to share that the school along with senior leaders from the Board has agreed to a meeting with DCCBA, and the families to ensure that our immediate needs and concerns are addressed and that an appropriate action plan is in place to protect our children. 

DCCBA will be capturing the minutes of this meeting along with all the action plans from the school and will be following up on any stated actions to ensure they are complied with. We have also reached out to Parents of Black Children (POBC), an organization that is versed in anti-oppression work, and will be leveraging their full support to ensure that our families receive the support required. 

As a result of this incident, several families have voiced their concerns or highlighted experiences of anti-black racism, racism, and other forms of harassment and bullying at the school.   These issues are very concerning, and we will be working with the community to gather as much information as possible so that we can ensure the school is held accountable and has appropriate plans in place to ensure the safety of all our students before the new school year. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us directly at: info@dufferincountycba.org

We will be publishing further updates on our social media platforms as well as a date for a community information session soon. 

Regards,

Alethia O’Hara-Stephenson CIP, BA, MBA

President & Founder, Dufferin County Canadian Black Association