School liaison officers help all students

I was surprised and aghast at the decision of the Greater Victoria School Board to cancel the police school liaison program.

As a retired RCMP officer, and former school trustee for 12 years, I understand the significant value that this program added to the schools and the community.

School liaison officers delivered traffic and personal safety programs, helped coach sports teams, sponsored clubs, acted as chaperones, gave speeches at school assemblies and graduation ceremonies, and provided safety and security when needed.

I was appalled to hear one trustee give one explanation of the cancelling “because some Black or Indigenous students might feel nervous with a police officer at their school.” That comment is blatantly racist.

One of the main school liaison officer roles is to build up trust and confidence in all students regardless of race or ethnicity.

Don Brown View Royal