Racism Allegations Rock Pierrefonds Community High School: Students and Parents Speak Out

A Call for Action Against Racism on Campus

Students and parents from Pierrefonds Community High School (PCHS) in Montreal’s borough of Pierrefonds-Roxboro are raising their voices about what they describe as a persistent and deeply troubling issue of racism on campus. The allegations include racial slurs, bullying, and a toxic environment that has left many students feeling unsafe and unsupported. For some families, the situation has become so alarming that they fear for the mental and emotional well-being of their children. Sharon Freeman, a concerned parent whose son attends the school, expressed her fears poignantly: “I don’t wanna wait until there’s a child who can’t deal with it anymore and decides to self-harm or take their own life.” Freeman and other families of African descent say their children have endured years of racialized bullying, and they are now demanding that the school take immediate and meaningful action to address the problem.

Students Share Heartbreaking Stories of Racism and Fear

Three Black students from PCHS, who spoke to Global News on the condition of anonymity, shared heartbreaking stories of racism that have become a daily reality for them. One student described the emotional toll of walking into school each day, saying, “As soon as I walk into the building, I sigh because I know today a situation will happen. Someone’s going to come at me.” The students detailed how they have been subjected to racist jokes, slurs, and even threats of violence. One recalled classmates joking about lynching and mimicking the sound of whips in their presence. Another shared an incident where a student repeatedly used the N-word in a Google Classroom chat, a situation that was only addressed after multiple complaints. These stories paint a stark picture of a school environment where racism is not only present but seemingly normalized.

School Board Responds, But Critics Say More Needs to Be Done

The Lester B. Pearson School Board (LBPSB) has acknowledged the allegations and stated that they take the issue of racism “extremely seriously.” In an email to Global News, the board highlighted several steps they have taken to address the problem, including the adoption of an equity, diversity, and inclusivity (EDDI) policy in September 2024. The board also mentioned a task force launched in 2021 to combat discrimination and marginalization. However, the students and parents making the allegations argue that these policies are not being effectively enforced. Freeman pointed out gaps in the policies, saying, “We need to read them over, see what’s missing.” The students also expressed frustration, noting that while some teachers are making a positive difference, more comprehensive action is needed to ensure their safety and well-being.

Systemic Issues Persist Beyond PCHS

The allegations at PCHS are part of a broader pattern of racism and bullying in Montreal-area schools. On Sunday, several parents from other schools in the region spoke out about similar issues, criticizing school authorities for not taking the problem seriously enough. Data from the provincial Ombudsman’s office supports these concerns. In the 2023-2024 school year, 80 complaints were filed in the Lac-et-des-Rapides region, which includes PCHS. Eighteen percent of these complaints were related to intimidation and violence, with many involving racial bullying or exclusion of racialized students. Maia Aziz, the regional student ombudsman, noted that “acts of racial bullying or violence” were common in these incidents. These statistics underscore the systemic nature of the problem and the urgent need for systemic solutions.

Families and Advocates Demand Change

Despite the LBPSB’s assurances, the families and students involved remain unsatisfied. They argue that the school’s response has been inadequate and that more needs to be done to create a safe and inclusive environment. The students, who continue to feel unsafe in their own school, wonder why they are being denied the basic right to feel accepted and valued. One student tearfully asked, “Why am I walking into my high school and I don’t feel safe? We’re raised in a society where we’re told to be kind and to be considerate and to accept all people. But yet, I’m walking into my high school and I don’t feel like I should be there.” These words highlight the emotional and psychological toll of systemic racism and the urgent need for change.

Community Comes Together to Address the Crisis

In response to the ongoing allegations, community groups supporting the affected families are planning a town hall meeting in early March to discuss next steps. The meeting will bring together parents, students, and other stakeholders to address the issue and advocate for stronger measures to combat racism in schools. The LBPSB has also encouraged anyone who feels that due process has not been followed to come forward through their official complaints process. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the voices of these students and parents will not be silenced, and they will continue to fight for the safe, inclusive, and equitable education that every child deserves. The community’s collective effort to address this crisis is a step toward healing and creating a better future for all students.