Yesterday, students, youth, parents, and community members, showed up and showed out in the thousands in collective power, demanding an end to this government’s regressive and privatized policies in postsecondary education. Students made connections between the clear realities that confront us: from the crisis in education, to continued war and genocide, to the climate and migrant crisis. Students know that every single one of these issues is interconnected, and students also know that united, we win. With thousands coming together across the province united under the banner of Hands Off Our Education, yesterday’s rally sent a crucial message about the importance of collective power – a power that only continues to grow.
The Toronto Police Services (TPS) responded to this show of collective power with heavy-handed and disproportionate actions and presence: violently arresting two students and brutalizing attendees at the end of the action, just as people were dispersing. Students were tackled to the ground, dragged through the mud, shoved, and in some cases, even hit with objects ripped from the hands of other attendees. This violence was intentional and was a clear and calculated attempt at repression, intimidation and fear mongering.
The Federation vehemently condemns the violence, police brutality, and criminalization of students protesting for their education as this government escalates its attacks on students – whether it is state police, campus security or private security, this is not the first time we have witnessed police brutality at student organized actions. We see these attacks for what they are – deliberate attempts to repress, intimidate students who refuse to stand silent in the face of attacks on our education and our campuses. We want to be clear: students cannot and will not allow this intimidation to stop them from holding the Ford government accountable or their call to defend our public education system for all. We must, and we will, continue to return in the thousands.
The Federation confirms that no student will ever be left behind, and that we keep us safe. The two arrestees have since been released and will continue to be supported by the Federation and partnered organizations.
Any further questions or media inquiries can be directed to the Federation via: federation@cfsontario.ca.