OPSEU 330 President Silvanna Petersen wearing riot gear…
Simcoe County needs a new school board. Outside of one hero, the remainder of the board took the coward’s route last night- not a single one of them would second the motion to ban the use of violent tactics against their Autistic students. Basically, they cowered to the threats of the Ontario Public Services Union (OPSEU).
Yesterday’s two proposals were submitted by a brave member of the school board who should be seen as a hero to all. She had the courage to stand-up against OPSEU’s bullying tactics and think of the needs of the children. The people of Barrie, Ontario should setup an honorary parade for this woman!
Common knowledge about working with autistic children dictates that, if the child gets upset, one must de-escalate the situation. This isn’t a big secret- all one has to do is a quick Google search and the results are apparent. So, either the remainder of the board are all Luddites, or they are too cowardly to speak out for the needs of these kids.
Either way, they should resign from their posts…
In typically weasel fashion, they came-up with a compromise. They are recommending that EA’s receive three days of training on how to better do their jobs. Three days- are these people kidding? If the EA’s already can’t do their jobs without using violence towards these unfortunate children, what extra will they learn in three days?
As I said in one of my first articles on this issue- the problem here is that the EA’s aren’t competent in their jobs. There are 1000’s of schools around the world who have autistic children and don’t recommend riot gear. The fact that the EA’s are demanding it seems to be proof-positive they aren’t prepared to do their jobs. Three days of training is pure window-dressing.
If you haven’t already, could I ask that you call the Simcoe County District School Board and register your disgust? It is totally unfair for children to have to grow-up in fear of their teachers like this- with your help, maybe we can stop this.
Phone: 1-705-728-7570
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