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Quebec’s education minister has condemned the “unacceptable” disciplinary practice of confining students inside a locker, pointing to an incident that allegedly took place at a school in the Laurentians.
“Under no circumstances should students be confined to lockers,” Joël Arseneau wrote on X Thursday. He stated that his office is in touch with authorities, and will take the necessary measures to shed light on the “highly problematic” practices.
A report from 98.5 issued Thursday said that police are investigating staff from a primary school in the Centre de services scolaire des Mille-Îles (CSSMI), who allegedly had shut five- to seven-year-old children in a metal locker to calm them down.
A photo of the locker obtained by Radio-Canada shows makeshift padding at the base and covering hooks near the top.
The Centre de services scolaire des Mille-Îles confirmed this is the locker that was used to confine students. (Centre de services scolaire des Mille-Îles)
When speaking with reporters, Arseneau said that he was shocked to see that this kind of practice was being used in a school — seemingly in a formalized manner.
“That’s why people are reacting, this is an affront to the dignity of young people,” he said. “I think it could lead to significant trauma.”
The police service in Blainville, Que., confirmed that in partnership with the province’s youth protection services, they have opened an investigation into a primary school under the jurisdiction of the CSSMI.
The Blainville police were not willing to confirm that it was related to allegations about locker confinement however.
The report from 98.5 said that four employees were suspended when allegations against them surfaced.
In a letter to parents obtained by Radio-Canada, the leadership of the CSSMI wrote that once the issue was brought to their attention “they acted promptly to correct the situation.”
The letter does not mention any suspensions.
The CSSMI also wrote that an investigation is underway, which limits how much information they can offer, given concerns about confidentiality.
“Please be assured that we are taking this situation very seriously and that the safety, dignity and well-being of our students remains our top priority,” they wrote.
Dominique Sauvé, the president of the teachers’ syndicate of the Basses-Laurentides, said on behalf of the syndicate that they believe all of the alleged facts must be fully investigated.
CBC News has reached out to Santé Quebec for comment to receive more details on the investigation, and on which school was involved, but has not heard back.
