The mother of an Indigenous student who was the alleged victim of racially targeted bullying at a Manitoba school says her son no longer feels safe going to school.
According to Melissa Johnson, two students were targeting her eleven-year-old son, Theo, a Grade 6 student at Stonybrook Middle School in Steinbach. She said they bullied him about his race and weight.
Though Johnson reached out to the school about the bullying, she said things continued to escalate and resulted in a physical assault that left her son with injuries.
The two students, who police confirmed to be 11 years of age, received suspensions as punishment.
“He’s really anxious. He’s nervous about what’s going to happen,” Johnson said in an interview on Tuesday.
“He keeps asking me, ‘What’s going to happen? How long are they going to be suspended for?’”
Johnson reached out to RCMP about the assault. However, Mounties told CTV News that due to the ages of those involved, charges can’t be laid, as the Youth Criminal Justice Act pertains to those between 12 and 17 years old.
“They need to know that what they did is wrong and that it can’t happen again,” Johnson said.
“Because if they’re doing this now, at the age that they are, like, what are they going to do when they’re in high school?”
In the wake of the incident, Indigenous organization Mino Odewin is requesting the Hanover School Division take several steps, including a formal investigation, the implementation of a comprehensive safety plan, and a review of supervision policies during lunch hour. It also wants trauma-informed support for the student affected, communication with his family about disciplinary measures, and a commitment to anti-racism and student safety.
“Given the documented history and concerns around Indigenous education within this division, this incident raises serious questions about whether Indigenous students are adequately protected and respected within the schools,” the organization said.
School division speaks out
In a statement, the Hanover School Division said it is aware of the incident and recognizes that it’s “deeply upsetting” for the student, family and broader community.
“Every student deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported at school,” the division said.
“We want to state clearly that violence, racism, and discrimination have no place in our schools. The safety and well-being of every student is our highest priority.”
The division explained that school administration responded to the incident immediately and took steps in accordance with division policy. It added that the incident is under investigation, including a review of lunch-hour supervision practices.
The school division said it has also initiated its risk assessment protocol to support student safety and ensure follow-up is in place.
“We recognize the broader impact this incident may have on Indigenous students, families, staff, and community members,” it said.
“Trauma-informed supports have been made available to those directly involved, as well as to students and staff who may be affected.”
The division said it would not provide further information to protect the privacy of those involved.
· With files from CTV’s Joseph Bernacki
