Montreal elementary school under investigation for 'toxic' learning environment

The Quebec Education Ministry has placed a Montreal elementary school under supervision following an investigation that uncovered a "toxic" environment, causing psychological harm to students over several years.

The investigation was initiated after Quebec radio station 98.5 FM reported in 2023 on troubling incidents at Bedford Elementary School in west-central Montreal. Between November 16, 2023, and April 19, 2024, investigators conducted 73 interviews to assess the situation.

Report Details: Harmful Teaching Practices

The ministry's report, released Friday, reveals that some teachers at Bedford deny the existence of autism and learning disabilities, instead labeling struggling students as “lazy” and unwilling to put in effort.

The report indicates that some teachers believe that student difficulties can be resolved through "excessive" discipline, including yelling and humiliation. One testimony states, "They act thinking they will 'break' the student and make them find the right path."

Located in the multicultural Côte-des-Neiges neighborhood, Bedford Elementary serves predominantly allophone students.

In response to the findings, the ministry has deployed two interveners to the school. Their role is to develop an action plan to restore a safe and healthy learning environment and address teacher interference in school administration and the Centre de services scolaire de Montréal (CSSDM).

Minister Drainville Responds to Findings

Education Minister Bernard Drainville described the situation in an interview with Radio-Canada’s Tout un matin on Friday, noting that a dominant group of teachers had been intimidating students and colleagues since the 2016-17 school year.

"The children, through all this, are obviously suffering from physical and psychological violence," Drainville said. "I don't understand how it is that we haven't received a single complaint. It’s unbelievable."

The report also reveals that some teachers prevented students from interacting with children in other classes due to personal conflicts among staff.

CSSDM spokesperson Alain Perron stated that the school service center will fully cooperate with the ministry’s efforts.
"Students and staff of the concerned schools will receive continued and caring support," Perron said.

Investigations and Potential Consequences

The Education Ministry confirmed that 11 teachers from Bedford are under investigation for inappropriate behavior. Witnesses reported that subjects like science, ethics, religious culture, and sex education were either not taught or taught to very few students during the academic year.

Minister Drainville said he is prepared to revoke the teaching licenses of those found guilty of gross misconduct. Although the teachers remain at the school for now, the investigative committee has 15 days to recommend suspensions if their presence is deemed harmful to students.

Internal Conflicts Among Staff

According to 98.5 FM, some teachers have been described as operating within a “clan,” allegedly intimidating students and school administrators. The report notes that the majority of this group consists of people of North African origin.

However, investigators clarified that the staff conflict appears to reflect differing ideologies rather than ethnic divisions. "It is important to emphasize that although the majority clan is mainly composed of people of Maghrebi origin, people of other origins are also associated with it," the report states. "The minority clan is also partly composed of individuals of Maghrebi origin, including some who are strongly opposing the majority clan."

Additional Audits Ordered

In light of new information, the Education Ministry announced audits at three other CSSDM schools: Bienville and Saint-Pascal-Baylon elementary schools, and La Voie high school.

"These audit mandates are necessary because additional information on issues and problems similar to those reported at Bedford school have been received," the ministry’s news release said.