Student Protest in Woodstock

Thursday, 4 April 2019 15:27

Hundreds of students walked out of class in Woodstock today to protest cuts to education.

WOODSTOCK - Hundreds of students walked out of class in Woodstock today to protest cuts to education.

They were joined by thousands of students across the Province, hoping to send a message to Premier Doug Ford. In Woodstock they chanted Hey Ho Doug Ford has to go in front of local MPP Ernie Hardeman's office. Damion Watson from CASS explains why he walked out of class today.

"I am here to protest Doug Ford's education cuts, so teachers wages getting cut, all of the teachers getting cut, the autism, the DC program being cut and class sizes being raised. How are we supposed to help these autistic kids when they are not getting the help they need, how are they supposed to teach kids when there is 40 kids in a class with one teacher, I mean how is one teacher supposed to control 40 kids."

Another CASS student Kaleb Myer explains why they came out to protest.

"I'm protesting the LGBTQ cuts, because I don't think it's very fair or them being appreciative of lives, because they are making it a norm for kids who don't want to be outcasted, they don't want to be known as the trans kids, they just want to be normal."

A handful of Doug Ford Supporters were also in the crowd chanting Doug Ford for Prime Minister.

The Thames Valley District School Board has released the following statement on the planned protest.

"Thames Valley District School Board has been made aware that a student protest is planned for Thursday, April 4 at 1:15 p.m. TVDSB is committed to ensuring safe, positive learning environments at all our schools and expects all students to behave in a peaceful and respectful manner throughout the school day. School administrators and teaching staff have been asked to provide support for students who have questions or concerns around recently announced changes in education. In compliance with Board policies, students failing to attend classes will be recorded as absent, and parents and guardians will be notified as a part of normal school practices."