Loki Swain is stepping up to keep local schools safe.
The president of the Innisfil Indian Association was appointed chair of the Simcoe County District School Board’s new safe schools committee earlier this month.
“I am honoured to be entrusted with this role,” Swain said. “Ensuring that every student has a safe, respectful and inclusive environment is a priority, and I look forward to collaborating with the committee to make a meaningful impact in schools across Simcoe County.”
As association president, Swain has actively promoted cross-cultural understanding through educational initiatives and community outreach. He’s been a key organizer in Diwali, Holi and She-roes Gala events within town, and spoken openly about his immigration experience to the Innisfil Historical Society.
Swain wants to advance student safety, mental health and anti-bullying programs within the board.
In February, board trustees approved a motion to establish the committee. It will act in an advisory capacity to recommend strategies, identify available resources and funding opportunities, and recommend programs and services to enhance school safety.
The committee will meet four times during the 2024-25 school year, and members are asked to serve an 18-month term.
However, its establishment faced scrutiny from two student trustees at the time, who felt the committee risks making students feel less secure.
“How can you guarantee this won’t damage students by causing them to be profiled?” asked student trustee Aalia Majid in February. “As a Hijabi and a Muslim in this post-9/11 world, as a second grader, my identity as a Muslim was considered a problem before Islamophobia ever was.”
Director of education John Dance has said the goal is for the committee to be "practical, on-the-ground, but also take a good look at what takes place inside our schools."
More details on the committee can be found at scdsb.on.ca.
— With files from Jessica Owen
