The ongoing blockade at the Ambassador Bridge has resulted in two Windsor Catholic secondary schools switching to online learning Friday.
The Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board has confirmed that Assumption College Catholic Middle School and High School will move students to remote learning out of concern for the safety of students and staff.
"This decision was made by the school board after extensive consultation with the Windsor Police Service who anticipate that protesters may be increasing their presence in and around the school tomorrow," according to a letter sent to parents obtained by WindsorNewsToday.ca. "The decision is being made out of an abundance of caution and to help our students and staff avoid the inconvenience of anticipated traffic congestion in the neighbourhood that may result."
Holy Names Catholic High School will also go online Friday, citing reports from police that protestors participating in the bridge blockade may head to campus to support a planned student walkout.
Both schools are expected to return to in-person learning on Monday.
Truckers opposed to cross-border COVID-19 vaccine mandates have blocked traffic on Huron Church Road since Monday, reducing traffic on the Ambassador Bridge to a trickle. Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens said Thursday afternoon that while the goal is to end the blockade peacefully, the City will ask for an injunction to clear the protestors out.