An Ontario mother, whose nine-year-old son was listed on a “kill list” created by a classmate, says she’s faced significant backlash from her community after going public with her story.
Now Toronto reported on her experience earlier this week.
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The mother claims the backlash has “highlighted” racism in her community.
“This is a community that I’m attached to,” Nicola Reid-Collins tells Now Toronto. “I’ve had people make comments like, ‘Well, then maybe Black people shouldn’t move to these White-dominated areas.’” In her original post on social media, Reid-Collins criticized the school’s response – suspending the student who wrote the list for 10 days. At that time, she suggested the outcomes would have been different if the roles were reversed regarding ethnicity. According to Reid-Collins, Father F. X. O’Reilly Catholic School confirmed that neither her son nor the other two students named in the “kill list” were bullying the child who created it. She mentions that Town of New Tecumseth Mayor Richard Norcross and Simcoe-Grey MPP Brian Saunderson have reached out since then. “[Norcross] assured me that he is advocating for my son; he’s advocating for more attention on this situation and that he’s pressuring both the school and the Ministry of Education,” Reid-Collins states. The MPP’s office confirmed to Now Toronto that they escalated the incident to Ontario’s Ministry of Education. Now Toronto contacted Education Minister Paul Calandra’s office but hasn’t received a response by publication time. Meanwhile, Reid-Collins notes that no one from either the school or school board has attempted to update her. “I have not spoken to the principal. I have not spoken to the vice principal. I have not spoken to anybody part of their admin team.” When asked about this incident, Lonnie Bolton, superintendent of Student Engagement and Learning at Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (SMCDSB), informed Now Toronto on Tuesday that staff are aware of what happened. Bolton added that SMCDSB couldn’t share specific details due to “privacy legislation,” but mentioned they followed their usual protocol: initiating its Threat Assessment and Intervention Protocol.Reid-Collins expresses gratitude for “so much love and support”
“I’ve gotten a lot of messages from parents worried about their own children and situations,” says Reid-Collins. She feels honored to represent many other kids and families who feel overlooked or unheard. “I’m so happy they can see there’s representation out there and someone actually cares about what’s happening to them, wanting change within our system.” However, despite receiving encouraging words online, Reid-Collins still doesn’t feel safe in her neighborhood. “I don’t think this is a safe area anymore for me and my kids. It affects me deeply because I genuinely do love my home,” she shares.Reid-Collins set for meeting with SMCDSB board next week
The meeting with SMCDSB is scheduled for next Tuesday, Mar. 24. She plans to be accompanied by members of advocacy groups Parents of Black Children and Parents Against Racism Simcoe County. She hopes this meeting will give her a chance to argue why expulsion is necessary for the child responsible for creating the “kill list.” “This child has no place in this school environment if he’s going to be affecting other students and causing harm to them mentally,” she states. Reid-Collins started a petition on Change. org urging both the school and school board for full transparency as they work towards ensuring safety for all students. The meantime finds Reid-Collins urging parents everywhere:“I know we want our kids sheltered from harsh realities; however that’s not realistic nor reflective of today’s world,” she explains.
“Parents need to teach their children about cultural differences along with bullying consequences.”
“We must let kids understand their words carry weight; actions will lead to consequences.”
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