Protesters take over York Region School Board inauguration, seek resignation

Terrell-Tracey asked to step down following racist comments

Yorkregion.com
December 4, 2018
Dina Al-Shibeeb

The York Region District School Board was forced to go behind doors after protesters interrupted Monday's inauguration, calling for Elizabeth Terrell-Tracey to step down following her racist Facebook comments.

"This board has history of having racist trustees," said Charline Grant, who says she was a victim of a racist slur thrown at her by a former trustees. "What happened tonight is disgraceful."

But Grant promised "we won't stop until she is removed."

The protesters acknowledged that the board can't force Terrell-Tracey out and instead called for Premier Doug Ford and MPP Caroline Mulroney to intervene.

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"Tell them that these people attack Guynese people," one protester said.

Another protester, who warned that racism is on the rise in Canada, said " I am sorry for those people" who should be celebrating their legitimate victories, but this has to be done.

The non-profit For Kids' Sake handed out brochures asking Terrell-Tracey to step down.

Bruce McIntosh, who ran previously as trustee, said Terrell-Tracey "must step down," urging people to contact their MPP to spur change on a provincial basis.

A number of Terrell-Tracey supporters insisted that the trustee is not racist and they called the protesters "radical activists."