An 11-year-old boy in Newfoundland and Labrador is suffering such severe racist, physical and verbal abuse at school that he wants to be homeschooled, his mother says.
Torrence Collier, the only black child in the small community of Westport, N.L., has been a victim of frequent attacks at school, his mother Heather told CTV’s Canada AM Thursday. The bullying is so severe that a teacher or staff member has to supervise him at all times.
Collier said her son has suffered two panic attacks in recent months, and has been battling headaches and anxiety.
Collier has written to the school board about the bullying and a meeting is being planned for Monday. But she says all Torrence now wants is to be homeschooled.
“He’s very unhappy,” Collier said.
Because of concerns for her son’s safety, Collier said Torrence is walked to the school entrance everyday, where he is met by a teacher or supervisor who accompanies him to class.
Ken Morrissey, director of communications for the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District, said there have been student suspensions as a result of Torrence’s case, but would not provide details.
In an email to CTVNews.ca, Morrissey said the school district has put together a “multi-disciplinary team” to address the issue. He confirmed that a meeting has been scheduled with Torrence’s mother.
“This is along with a number of initiatives which have taken place at the school, such as diversity education and character education,” Morrissey said.
The Colliers say Torrence didn’t have problems at school until they moved back to Newfoundland and Labrador from western Canada.
Collier has previously told CTV’s News Channel that she thought her son would be safer and happier in Westport, but she now regrets the move.
Asked about his experiences at school, Torrence told News Channel Wednesday: “I face racism and some physical and verbal attacks.”
Torrence said he wants his bullies to know that what they’re doing “is not cool.”
His mom said she would like to see some action from the school board and provide transportation for Torrence so that he can attend a different school, located further away from home.
