School board director blasts hate graffiti at St. Catharines school

The District School Board of Niagara (DSBN) is making it clear –  hate has no place inside or on the outside of walls at Niagara schools.

Discussing the vandalism that took place at Harriet Tubman Public School in St Catharines over the weekend,  Director of Education Warren Hoshizaki blasted the incident that covered the school in “grievous messages against the Black Community, and the 2SLGBTQ+ Community.”

Calling it an act of hate, Hoshizaki added, “We acknowledge that this disturbing incident may leave the Black Community and 2SLGBTQ+ Community feeling traumatized, fearful, unsafe, and vulnerable. This includes students, staff, and families, who have been deeply impacted by this disturbing incident.”

“We believe that our students deserve to live in a community where everyone is safe, valued, respected, and included. This is a value that we will continue to protect, even when this belief is challenged.”

He left little doubt on where the school board stands on disturbing matters like this one.

“We will not tolerate any acts of racism, homophobia, transphobia, biphobia, or any other forms of discrimination or hate in our schools or communities, and we will speak out against these acts.”