Violence in Ontario Catholic Schools: 90% of Teachers Report Incidents
A shocking new report from the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association (OECTA) has revealed that violence and harassment have become alarmingly common in the province's Catholic school classrooms. The study, titled A system under strain, violence and harassment in Ontario schools, indicates that nine out of ten teachers have either experienced or witnessed such incidents firsthand.
A Troubling New Normal
Published this week, the report paints a distressing picture of escalating disorder in educational settings. According to the findings, violence has effectively become the "new normal" in Ontario classrooms, with teachers now reporting an average of seven violent incidents per year. This marks a significant increase over the past decade, highlighting a growing crisis in school safety.
"Schools cannot be safe places to learn if they are not safe places to teach," emphasized OECTA President Rene Jansen in de Wal in a statement. He pointed to serious concerns among Catholic teachers regarding inadequate reporting systems and safety strategies, which often leave educators discouraged from reporting incidents or uncertain that meaningful action will follow.
Widespread and Growing Violence
The report's data underscores the pervasive nature of this issue:
- Four out of five teachers have witnessed violence against a colleague.
- Nearly one in five violent incidents involved a weapon.
- Two-thirds of incidents resulted in physical injury, property damage, or emotional harm.
While all teachers are affected, the report notes that women, particularly those teaching Kindergarten through Grade 3, report higher exposure to violent acts. Additionally, Indigenous, Black, and LGBTQ teachers face disproportionate levels of identity-based harassment. Disabled teachers also experience "compounding barriers," especially when accommodation needs intersect with safety issues.
Teachers Feel Unprotected
The survey reveals a deep-seated lack of confidence in existing protective measures. One in three teachers say they have been discouraged from reporting incidents, while one in five report that their complaints yield no outcome. This has led to significant disruptions in teaching, with four out of five educators stating that violence interferes with their ability to instruct effectively.
Nearly half of the teachers surveyed have altered their behavior due to safety concerns, further impacting the learning environment. In response, Catholic teachers are advocating for "real, sustained government investment" to enhance school safety. This includes calls for smaller class sizes and an increase in front-line educators to better manage and prevent violent situations.
"Catholic teachers' working conditions are the learning conditions of the students we serve," de Wal asserted. "Their safety should not be negotiable, but it will be one of OECTA's priorities at the bargaining table in this next round."
The report's findings highlight an urgent need for systemic changes to ensure that Ontario's schools are safe for both teachers and students, reinforcing that without a secure teaching environment, effective learning cannot occur.
