The Thames Valley District School Board is under fire for how it has responded to calls to investigate systemic workplace issues after one of its principals was charged with sexual exploitation and sexual assault.
Megan Walker, head of the London Abused Women's Centre, had asked on Friday for the board to launch a third party, independent investigation after the charges against H.B. Beal Secondary School principal Michael Deeb came to light. But following a special board meeting Tuesday night, Board Chair Matt Reid announced the OPP had asked the board not to look into the allegations until the police investigation was complete.
"The Michael Deeb situation and the charges were the direct result of us forwarding information to the police when it came to our attention," said Reid. "We are not able to take corrective action or investigate until the police are done their investigation."
Reid sent Walker a letter detailing the board's position. In it, Reid states trustees "regret that anyone felt their voices were not heard."
"It is the duty of the TVDSB as an employer to provide safe and inclusive working conditions and staff members are commended for having the courage to bring forward concerns about workplace harassment," Reid wrote.
The letter was not well received by Walker, who called it incredibly disappointing and a colossal failure.
"While I certainly understand that the Thames Valley District School Board feels it can't investigate the specific issues around Mr. Deeb because of the criminal investigation, they have failed to acknowledge the larger systemic issues that are prevalent throughout their school board," said Walker.
The women's advocate zeroed in on the lack of action the board appears to be taking.
"Apologies or statements of regret, when they are heartfelt and sincere, they are followed by action," said Walker. "You can't say you regret something has happened but then, on the other hand, say 'this isn't who we are and this is not what we do' because they're responsible. They need to admit that they failed in some cases."
If the board had wanted to show respect for the community, it would have issued a media release on the matter, acknowledged systemic issues within the board, followed by accountability measures, Walker maintains.
"I can only take from this generic letter that the board really has no interest in addressing the significant issues that their staff and students are facing," said Walker.
However, Reid stressed the board is in no way looking to sweep this matter under the rug and that it will be dealt with in time.
"[Walker] wanted a direct commitment only a few days after charges were laid and we can't be committing to these things until the police have completed their investigation and then trustees will look at next steps," said Reid. "We support the victims and have a zero tolerance policy for this type of behaviour or any repercussions for people who come forward... when you actually read the letter there is a lot of information there."
The charges against Deeb stem from allegations he kissed a female student between 2000 and 2001. They are unrelated to accusations of sexual harassment and abuse of power made in December by local poet and teacher Najwa Zebian, another teacher, and a student.
Deeb has denied those allegations against him through his lawyer Faisel Joesph.
Since the charges against Deeb were made public Friday, the abused women's centre has received several allegations of misconduct from within the school board by alleged victims and whistleblowers.
OPP officers, who are conducting the investigation into Deeb, have asked anyone with information to contact Detective Constable Aaron Brown at 1-888-310-1122 or (519) 882-1011.