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More information about the assault near Rosslyn School

Sun, 25 Apr, 2021

Today, Board Chair Trisha Estabrooks, Mayor Don Iveson and I had an opportunity to speak with the family and student who was the victim of the vicious, hate-filled attack near Rosslyn School on April 16. 

We continue to hear from our community about their disgust and hurt that something filled with so much hate can happen in our city and near our schools. We do not tolerate violence or hate.

Board Chair and I expressed our deep condolences to the family and how schools must be safe, welcoming places for children. As part of our conversation, we asked what additional supports the family and student need at this time.

We also shared with the family what we know so far about the assault and the steps we’re taking as a school division. I can now share some of this information with our broader community.

Edmonton Public Schools and Rosslyn School have–in compliance with privacy legislation–provided the Edmonton Police Service with the names of all youth we identified as having participated in the assault to support their criminal investigation. 

All Edmonton Public Schools students who were involved in the assault have been recommended for expulsion in accordance with the Education Act. As we continue to investigate and gather further information, if other individuals are identified as Edmonton Public Schools students, additional consequences will be implemented.

We also shared that students from Edmonton Public Schools and youth not registered with our Division were involved in the assault. Two youth, including the individual in the white hoodie as seen in the video, are not Edmonton Public Schools students.

I want to thank the family for taking the time to meet with myself, Board Chair Estabrooks and Mayor Iveson earlier today. We acknowledge racism exists in our schools and our community; we remain committed to working together to dismantle systemic racism and renewing our focus on anti-racism education. While our Division is taking steps and working with the community  around the elimination of racism in our schools, it’s clear that we still have much work to do. 

--Superintendent Darrel Robertson