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Farewell to another school year. In Ontario, after a return to full activities with academics, clubs and teams after pandemic shutdowns, it seems that schools were constantly in the news for negative reasons.

The public heard about a , and a in schools.

A major contributing factor to this rise in violence in schools is . We need more infrastructure in communities that are economically neglected, often racialized communities.

In this challenging context, schools need to think hard about how they allocate resources and staff equitably, particularly now, at a time when they are approving their budgets for September.

Violence in schools

In the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), .

An alarming three-quarters (77 percent) of members of the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO), " in a recent survey conducted by Strategic Communications. Survey results are based on a weighted sample of 24,872 ETFO members' responses.

Black and other minoritized youth and educators . For students, the effects can be deadly: there have been 222 homicides of school-aged children (students up to age 21 years old) since 2007 in Toronto, with the victims and perpetrators predominantly Black.

The school-to-prison pipeline

The school-to-prison pipeline continues to cast a dark shadow over the education system in Ontario. This "pipeline" refers to the systematic processes that push students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, .

This trend disproportionately affects marginalized communities, particularly Black and Indigenous students, .

When Jordan Manners died 16 years ago, it was the first time a high school student had been fatally shot inside a Toronto school.

Since that time, despite numerous reports commissioned and recommendations made by various stakeholders, . There is no national strategy to prevent violence and homicide largely impacting Black and racialized communities.

, particularly with a mayoral election happening soon in the City of Toronto.

Tragic impact on marginalized communities

The school-to-prison pipeline encompasses various interconnected factors including and a lack of alternative support systems.

This is a result of many institutions and leaders at all three levels of government collectively failing to support the needs of racialized communities.

Suspensions and expulsions . This is why as of 2020, .

Indigenous and Black people are . This disparity is rooted in systemic racism and a culture of institutional apathy which together perpetuates cycles of inequality, poverty and intergenerational trauma.

Calls to action

There needs to be long-term funding by all institutions to create infrastructure and access to timely and reflective social services for minoritized communities to mitigate and dismantle , contributing to the rise in violence in schools. A comprehensive approach is necessary.

Meanwhile, schools and school boards need to plan for the future. Important considerations include:

1) : Move away from punitive disciplinary measures and .

2) Allocate staff and resources equitably: , ultimately preventing students being pushed into the criminal justice system. Redirect funds towards mental health services, counselors, social workers and community programs that prioritize .

3) Develop culturally responsive programs and services: and that reflect the histories, cultures and contributions of diverse communities matter.

This helps foster a sense of belonging and connection and reduces the likelihood of student and staff disengagement. There needs to be a more urgent implementation of .

4) Establish community partnerships to mitigate risk factors during evenings and weekends: Forge collaborations between schools, community organizations and families to provide holistic supports and resources that address local community needs, particularly on evenings and weekends. Such community partnerships create continuity of care for children and youth.

At the end of April, Ontario's Ministry of Education . Such investments are critical.

Yet, according to the Canadian Union of Public Employees, the provincial government has . Trustees with the Halton District School Board say there is a $20-million funding shortfall, and .

If we do not systemically change our approach in how we support marginalized schools, students, parents and teachers, why are we surprised that the system keeps failing them? The effect of such failure is often the tragic outcome of death, being pushed out of schools or receiving a prison sentence.

We all have to do our part to hold institutions accountable, including for failures and neglect.

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