Alleged Assault and Racist Slurs on Black Correctional Officer by White Co-worker at the Toronto [Don] Jail

On Tuesday September 17th, 1996 an African-Canadian Correctional Officer at the Toronto (Don) Jail alleged that she was assaulted by a white co-worker after racist language was hurled at her. The Officer alleged that she was called a "fucking bitch" and a "fucking nigger" by her co-worker.

An altercation occurred between the Black Officer and her White colleague after which both Correctional Officers have laid criminal charges against each other.

The matters are now before the provincial court at Old City Hall, 100 Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario.

This case is certainly a disturbing one and has had severe negative reprecussions for the African-Canadian Officer. For that reason, we have decided not to release the identity of the parties involved.

This is not the first incident of acrimony between these two Correctional Officers. Prior incidents were made known to and witnessed by management. No remedial action was taken in accordance with the Ministry's policies and the institution's standing orders.

The environment at the Toronto (Don) Jail is conducive to racial motivated attacks because of the sub-culture that exist. What is required is a change of that culture. It is our hope at this would occur before the Jail is closed in 1999. If a change do not occur then what we will have is some Correctional Officers with a mindset that is hostile to the exercise of racial equality moving on to other institutions and poisoning the work environment for non-white staff members and living units for non-white residents.

We have recently learnt that both Correctional Officer have withdrawn charges against each other and are contemplating pursuing their matters in civil court. We will keep you informed of any new developments.

Clich here to let the Premier of Ontario know that Racism in Ontario's Correctional System is unacceptable

Please request that the Ontario Human Rights Commission launch a systemic investigation into the working and living conditions of this jail immediately.

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