Hamilton’s public school board to end police liaison program

The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board has voted to end its police liaison program.

The decision was made at the last board meeting of the year Monday night.

In the evening, dozens of people took to the streets of downtown Hamilton, taking over the intersection of Main and Bay.

Protesters are sitting on Main Street, chanting and holding signs. Lots of people are standing on the sidewalks supporting the demonstration. @CHCHNews pic.twitter.com/r1ECqIz7rv

— Matt Ingram (@MattIngramNEWS) June 22, 2020

Students, parents and community members have written to the school board over the last week to voice their concerns over the program.

Critics say they’re worried about the fear and anxiety the program creates among racialized students.

Officers go to around 200 public high school and elementary schools to give various presentations and do outreach.

Monday’s vote means this will end but officers will still respond to emergency situations at schools.

The board says it is looking to the next steps and is gathering information on a replacement program.