Toronto police and the Toronto District School Board are investigating an allegedly racist, homophobic and misogynistic online conversation between students at a north Toronto secondary school March 9.
Adam Marshall, principal of Northern Secondary School, wrote to parents March 12, informing them of the investigation and apologizing for anti-Black racist, misogynistic and homophobic language used by students in the online Snapchat.
“On behalf of Northern Secondary School, I acknowledge and regret the harm this incident has caused to students, their families and our community members,” wrote Marshall in the March 12 letter.
The Snapchat, which took place March 9, was shared with many students, wrote Marshall — and it has been turned over to Toronto Police Service as the school board also investigates.
“The impact on the wider student body was understandably traumatic and triggered emotions ranging from anger, to fear and sadness,” wrote Marshall.
The incident occurred the same day as the Toronto District School Board introduced its new anti-racism classroom strategy, Combatting Hate and Racism: Student Learning Strategy. Marshall said that strategy will be applied at Northern to address the Snapchat.
“Our school is committed to the work of intentionally identifying, interrupting and addressing all forms of discrimination,” wrote Marshall. “Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected. Students/individuals who engage in acts of hate and discrimination can face serious consequences, both at school and even with police.”