Quebec investigates 3 Montreal schools for religious concerns
Posted December 11, 2024 10:17 am.
Last Updated December 11, 2024 11:10 am.
Three Montreal schools will be investigated by Quebec’s Education Ministry regarding possible religious-related abuses.
According to preliminary information, a toxic climate and certain behaviours have raised concerns for the safety of students, among other things.
Education Minister Bernard Drainville confirmed on Wednesday that full investigations will be conducted immediately at Bienville and Saint-Pascal-Baylon elementary schools, as well as La Voie high school.
Bienville is in Saint-Michel, while the other two are in Côte-des-Neiges.
Audits had been requested in October by Minister Drainville at these schools, following a report on the Bedford school in Montreal, concerning religious practices and a toxic climate.
According to Drainville’s office, “multiple issues” were raised in the three schools, which requires “an in-depth investigation process.”
Among other things, the school cites a toxic climate, interference in decision-making, concerns about the quality of educational services, as well as behavior that could cause fears for the physical or psychological safety of students.
“If immediate action must be taken during the investigation, Drainville will not hesitate to do so, as was the case at Bedford, where 11 teachers were placed under investigation and had their certificates suspended,” said the minister’s office in a press release.
During the investigations, the Montreal school service centre (CSSDM) will deploy resources, such as educational advisors, psychologists and more to help students and staff at the three schools.
The three schools in question were also on the list of 17 establishments where Minister Drainville requested audits following the report on the Bedford school. A full report on these audits is expected in January.
Last week, Drainville announced his intention to introduce a bill to “strengthen secularism in schools.” Premier François Legault went even further, raising the idea of banning prayer in public places.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews
