I must take the time to respond to Rod Jackson's Open Letter to Minister Laurel Broten.

My concern lies with Mr. Jackson's lack of facts. I am dismayed at his assertions that the rights of children are being violated, and that Educational Assistants are restraining students.

These allegations are unfounded and he is taking a one sided position regarding the concerns brought forward by the Special Education Advisory Committee and other organizations.

I am astounded that an elected official would make public such uninformed claims regarding a complex issue that involves the safety of both the students AND the staff in our public schools.

I urge Rod Jackson to become further educated on the issue before becoming so vocal on the topic again in the future. I would be more than willing to elucidate some alternative perspectives so that Mr. Jackson may understand the complexities of the blockers debate more clearly, and invite him to contact me for some more information.

Silvanna Petersen, Educational Assistant,

President OPSEU Local 330 OPSEU Boards of Education Sector Chair