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.
In an act of hate, Harriet Tubman Public School was vandalized on the evening of Saturday, June 11. The graffiti that covered the school contained grievous messages against the Black Community, and the 2SLGBTQ+ Community.
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 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.
We extend our gratitude to those who gave their support to the Harriet Tubman school community. This includes the community members who contacted us, the Niagara Regional Police for their ongoing investigation and the DSBN staff who quickly arrived at the school to cover the graffiti and are continuing the work today.
As we navigate this world together, here are some resources to support you during this time:
Supports for Emotional Well-Being
- Pathstone Mental Health Crisis and Support Line/Walk-In Clinics - (1-800-263-4944)
- COAST - (1-866-55-5205)
- Kids Help Phone - (1-800-668-6868)
- Canadian Mental Health Association Niagara - (905-641-5222) - ages 16+
- Youth Wellness Hub Niagara - (905-229-9946) - ages 12-25
- Harriet's Youth Support Line - (1-877-695-2673) is a 24-hour emergency / crisis response line for African, Caribbean, and Black youth. Text messaging is available for young people who do not feel like speaking to someone, but are still in need of help.
- Black Youth Helpline - (416-285-9944/1-833-294-8650) serves all youth and specifically responds to the need for a Black youth specific service
- Contact Niagara - (905-684-3407) - intake for many public children's mental health services
- Niagara Falls Community Health Centre - (905-356-4222) advocating and assisting with barriers and tough conversations and connecting individuals with community resources and access to health care
- Quest Community Health Centre - (905-688-2558) provides primary health care services to individuals who experience barriers to accessing health care, including sexually and gender diverse communities