A Culture of Fear at the TDSB? Part One

The recent Ernst & Young forensic audit of the Toronto District School Board’s affairs was a disturbing snapshot of an organization in which past practices leave a good deal to be desired on many levels. The findings of the report reveal troubling indications of an institution in perpetual crisis. One finding of the report that was largely overlooked and totally underplayed is a strikingly important observation:

“We heard from numerous individuals including management, staff and Trustees of a culture of “fear” in the organization. Pressure is sometimes put on staff to not comply with set policies and some employees fear their employment may be terminated if they refuse to do as requested. We found examples of this type of pressure.” (Excerpted from page 4 of the report.) 

The fact that the forensic audit report remarks a “culture of fear” at the TDSB should be a large red flag for anybody with an interest in education. After all, the safety and well-being of our students is the highest priority at the TDSB. We often tout how happy and safe students feel in our schools. How is it that there is a “culture of fear” in the higher echelons of the institution, and why is nobody really discussing it since the report was made public a few weeks ago?  (more...)

A Culture of Fear at the TDSB? Part One

H/T to Socialist Studies