Mississauga teacher alleges ‘state of crisis’ due to violent conditions

In an anonymous letter circulating social media, teachers from a Mississauga school are asking for help with what they’re calling a “state of crisis” due to violence within their school premises.

The letter detailed violence by students at Tomken Road Middle School.

It says students and teachers are afraid to walk down the halls and details students uttering homophobic slurs, throwing cups at teachers’ heads, stealing, vandalizing washrooms and threatening physical violence.

A lawyer confirmed a teacher wrote it and stated that staff and students faced countless unsafe interactions daily.

The person who wrote the letter says they have tried to get help but have exhausted all methods they have been trained to use.

This morning I received this letter from a teacher at a Mississauga school. I have verified the existence and identity of its author and its authenticity. @trusteemcdonald @peelschools @pdsbdirector – Thoughts? Policy changes? @sflecce @fordnation pic.twitter.com/KrzyQq1tvU

— R. Michael Teper (@MichaelTeper1) May 20, 2023

“No suspensions or expulsions have been made,” the teacher said. “No one wants to intervene and we can understand why.”

Staff are looking to reinstate some structure to the school – they want to ban cell phones and for students to take accountability for their actions.

The Peel District School Board says it’s aware of the letter and is investigating conditions at the middle school.

This comes after the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario released a survey showing violence is becoming more pervasive in schools across the board. They are also calling on the Ontario government for solutions as well.

READ MORE: TDSB says 323 students involved in violence so far this school year