The presence of police in Ontario’s publicly funded schools has renewed conversation, in light of Bill 33, Supporting Children and Students Act, 2025. If passed, Bill 33, the proposed amendments to the Education Act, would require school boards to work with local police services to implement School Resource Officer (SRO) programs.
In a recent submission to the Ministry of Education, the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) reiterated its call for an evidence-based approach to the routine presence of police in Ontario’s schools. While SRO programs have been implemented in school boards across the province, there is a lack of evidence supporting their effectiveness. Some of these programs have been removed.
Communities have shared their experiences with SRO programs and the harms associated with police-in-schools programs. In its submission, the OHRC outlines how police presence in schools can reinforce, perpetuate, or worsen the negative experiences faced by students with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and 2SLGBTQ+ students.
Communities have consistently advocated for more social supports in schools, such as hiring peer support staff, counsellors and mental health professionals, instead of relying on policing. The OHRC calls for a human rights-based approach to school safety, prioritizing the voices of those most affected and student wellbeing.
The OHRC also highlights that colleges and universities admissions should uphold the principles of substantive equality. In its submission to the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, the OHRC recommends that the proposed amendments in Bill 33 to the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Act, clearly define the term “merit” to avoid any risk of misinterpretation.
Central to educating students must be a commitment to uphold the dignity, self-worth, well-being, and safety of students. This is foundational to a robust economy. So, as Ontario transforms its education system, it is crucial to prioritize student dignity and safety. By ensuring that updates to the Education Act and the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Act are consistent with the Ontario Human Rights Code, we can foster an inclusive environment that champions equality for all students.
Let us work towards cultivating educational institutions which foster safety, inclusion, and support for all students, creating a more equitable future.
Media contact:
Nick Lombardi
Senior Strategic Communications Advisor
Ontario Human Rights Commission
Email: nick.lombardi@ohrc.on.ca
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