Ontario Bill 33 Sparks Opposition from Policing-Free Schools and Community Groups

A provincial campaign launched by Policing-Free Schools has gained support from Peel community groups in opposition to Bill 33, which proposes to implement school resource officer (SRO) programs in schools. Policing-Free Schools criticizes the bill as a "power grab" that "mandates and expands" police officers in schools. The organization's director, Andrea Vásquez Jiménez, calls for funding to be allocated to schools and communities instead. "We cannot police ourselves into student safety, into school safety, into educator safety," she said, arguing that policing in schools causes harm and doesn't create safety.

Key Takeaways:

• Policing-Free Schools, a provincial organization, has launched a campaign to stop Bill 33, which proposes to implement school resource officer (SRO) programs in schools.
• The organization, along with Peel community groups, claims that the bill is a "power grab" that "mandates and expands" police officers in schools.
• Policing-Free Schools director Andrea Vásquez Jiménez criticizes the bill, saying it will not create safe schools or school safety.
• Vásquez Jiménez calls for funding to be allocated to schools and communities instead.
• Black Education Fund Empowers co-founder David Bosveld noted that police in schools programs were terminated in Peel in 2020, following consultations with community members, police, and school board officials.
• Pelon Elementary Teachers' Local vice-president Felipe Pareja suggests that expanding police presence in schools is a way for the government to distract from its failure to support students.
• Peel Regional Police does not currently have an SRO program, but police spokesperson Const. Amanda Steenson acknowledges the proposed legislative changes and commits to a thoughtful, equity-focused approach through consultation with the community.

Statistics:

• 29 May 2025: Bill 33, aptly named the Supporting Children and Students Act, was passed during its first reading.
• 5 June 2025: The bill was debated during its second reading.
• Peel police have a track record of disproportionate use of force against Black people in the community, as mentioned by David Bosveld.
• The proposed school resource officer (SRO) programs are expected to start in the next school year.

Sources:

• Brampton Guardian
• Policing-Free Schools
• Black Education Fund Empowers