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Update about the assault near Rosslyn School

Sat, 24 Apr, 2021

Yesterday, I released a statement about an assault that took place last week near Rosslyn School. The assault involved students from Edmonton Public Schools, as well as youth who are not in our Division. I remain deeply unsettled about what happened. Many community members have taken the time to express their disgust and concern with me. I hear and share their feelings.

In the coming days and weeks we need to reflect, plan action and heal. We can only do that together. This includes supporting the student who was the victim of the attack and his family. The school and Division have reached out to provide them with any additional support they need during this difficult time.

Our schools and our community need to be safe spaces for Black, Indigenous and People of Colour students, staff and families. We need to renew our focus on anti-racism education and ending systemic racism. Violent incidents like this are not a reflection of who we are and what we stand for and will not be tolerated. At the heart of who we are is a desire for our students to feel safe and welcome.

Make no mistake, every single student from our Division who participated in and watched the assault from the sidelines has been held accountable for their actions. Our full investigation into this incident is ongoing. We do not tolerate violence or hate. We also continue to co-operate fully as Edmonton Police Services continues their investigation.

While we are bound by privacy legislation and cannot provide information about who may have been involved or any potential related consequences, we continue to address their actions and work to repair the harm. The range of consequences from the school division can include:

• suspension
• expulsion from school-sponsored activities
• expulsion from a school
• conflict resolution, mediation or interventions 

The Division recognizes the seriousness of this incident and will hold all students involved accountable.

--Superintendent Darrel Robertson