May 6, 2026, Peel Region, ON: The Anti-Black Racism and Systemic Discrimination (ABR-SD) Collective in Peel Region has learned of the deeply disturbing incident regarding a Peel Regional Police (PRP) presentation delivered to school administrators and superintendents at the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB) on April 9, 2026.

As stated in an article in the Toronto Star dated April 17, 2026, a presentation on youth gangs included a music video containing the N-word and discussion of gang affiliation that reportedly showed only images of Black youth. In a memo sent to Principals and Vice-Principals by the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board’s Director of Education, the presentation was described as one that “reinforced harmful stereotypes and deficit-based narratives that we actively work to dismantle as a system”.

ABR-SD Collective Co-Chairs, Angela Carter and Arvind Krishendeholl, state that this incident “demands urgent, transparent and meaningful accountability”. They added: “As details of this deeply harmful and divisive issue continue to emerge, we are increasingly concerned about what it means for the dignity, safety and belon ing of Black students and educators in Peel, as well as the immediate aftermath, which has only deepened longstanding community concerns. “While we are aware that investigations by the Peel Regional Police and Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board are being conducted internally, it is important that the community’s input is included, the findings of the investigations be communicated publicly in a timely manner, and that immediate actions be taken to repair the harm done to Black students, educators and the broader Black, African and Caribbean (BAC) communities. These actions would demonstrate a genuine commitment to accountability,” they said.

The ABR-SD Collective, through its Policing Advocacy and Education Committees comprising of educators, parents, community leaders and decision-makers, reached out to both the PRP and DPCDSB to request immediate engagement, transparent communication and concrete measures to address the issue. 

Both organizations were invited to attend a meeting with Collective members on April 23, 2026, to provide an update and respond to community concerns. However, both PRP and DPCDSB declined the invitation and instead sent emails stating they are investigating the matter and apologizing for the incident.

The situation was further exacerbated by the Minister of Education, Paul Calandra, who said in the Ontario Legislature, “the presentation by Peel Police was an accurate, unvarnished reflection of some of the challenges that are being faced in Peel schools right now”. Our question is, ”are there only Black youth involved in gangs in Peel Region?” The ABR-SD Collective remains deeply concerned that, in the absence of direct engagement with affected communities, internal investigations alone are insufficient to rebuild trust or demonstrate meaningful accountability.

The Collective calls on the PRP, the DPCDSB and the Ministry of Education to engage directly with Black communities in the investigation, publicly communicate the findings and outcomes, and outline immediate and concrete actions to ensure such incidents are not repeated. Transparency cannot be limited to internal processes. Black students, educators, families and community members deserve clear answers, direct engagement and sustained action that address the structural and institutional conditions that allowed this incident to occur.

The Anti-Black Racism and Systemic Discrimination Collective of Peel (ABR-SD) is a community-led collective made up of over 50 community organizations advocating for meaningful change to eliminate racist and discriminatory policies, practices and processes from Peel Region’s organizations and institutions.

For media inquiries, please contact: Administrative Coordinator, at connect@abrsdpeel.ca.