News Release
Ecker introduces Safe Schools Act
TORONTO – (May 31, 2000) A
Safe Schools Act to help promote respect,
responsibility and civility in Ontario schools was introduced today by
Education Minister Janet Ecker. The legislation, if passed, will give force to
the provincial Code of Conduct released last month.
"This Act is aimed at making sure that students and teachers are
interacting in a safe and respectful learning environment," said Ecker.
"Time and time again, I have been told by parents, students and teachers that
there is a need to increase respect and responsibility in our classrooms. The Code
of Conduct that is included in the proposed Act will set clear
expectations for behaviour and clear consequences for students who commit serious
infractions."
Under the new Code of Conduct, students who bring weapons to school or
deal in drugs, for example, would face expulsion in the proposed legislation,
if passed. Students who cause extensive property damage or threaten serious
injury would be suspended.
"Respect and responsibility are an important part of ensuring that
schools in our publicly funded education system are safe. With the introduction
of the legislation, we are taking the steps necessary to ensure that this
system is the safest and best it can be."
The proposed Safe Schools Act, if passed, would amend Ontario's
Education Act and allow the government to proceed with plans to:
- Give teachers the authority to suspend students for one school day.
- Give school principals the authority to expel students from their school for up to one school year.
- Give parents or guardians the right to request a review and/or an appeal of an expulsion.
- Set mandatory requirements for students who have been expelled to attend a strict discipline or equivalent program in order to re-enter the
regular school system.
- Require that school boards provide programs for suspended students.
- Allow a majority of parents at any school to decide on a dress code or a uniform for their children.
- Allow for criminal background checks of anyone working in a school and give principals authority to deny access to anyone who poses a threat to school safety.
- Require that the opening or closing exercises in schools must include the singing of O Canada and may include the recitation of a pledge of citizenship.
"I am certain students, teachers, staff and parents – regardless of
where they live in Ontario – would all agree that a safe school environment contributes to learning and quality education. It is the intent of this
legislation to do just that," said Ecker.
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