Kitchener-Waterloo

Kitchener teacher's alleged disciplinary measures under investigation by police

The Waterloo Regional Police Service is conducting a criminal investigation involving allegations against a teacher at a Kitchener elementary school. Police confirmed to CBC News that they have launched an investigation into allegations of discipline by a teacher on a student during class at the school.

Incident involves allegations of discipline by a teacher on a student during class, police say

Waterloo Region District School Board sign outside their main office.
A spokesperson with the Waterloo Regional District School Board confirmed to CBC News that the board is aware of the allegations, but "confidentiality prevents us from discussing the particulars of this situation." (Waterloo Region District School Board/Twitter)

The Waterloo Regional Police Service is conducting a criminal investigation involving allegations against a teacher at a Kitchener elementary school. 

A police spokesperson confirmed to CBC News that the service received a complaint on Oct. 22 that launched an investigation.

"Detectives are currently conducting a criminal investigation into allegations of discipline by a teacher on a student during class," police said in a statement.

Police said it is "very early" in this investigation. 

Meanwhile, a spokesperson with the Waterloo Region District School Board confirmed to CBC News that the board is "aware of the issue and have taken all necessary steps," although didn't clarify what those steps were.

"Confidentiality prevents us from discussing the particulars of this situation," the spokesperson said in an emailed statement. 

The Waterloo region branch of the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO) declined to comment.

The school has approximately 300 students, from junior kindergarten to Grade 6.

Child's family speaks out

CBC News spoke to a man who said his child was involved in the alleged incident. CBC News is not naming the family to protect the identity of the student.

The father said the alleged incident happened on Wednesday. He said his child moved a desk during class and as a result, he alleges a teacher duct taped the child's hands as punishment.

The father said he found out about the incident through the principal. He said his child did not immediately tell the family what happened because the child was "scared and traumatized." 

The father said he was told by Family and Children Services [FACS] that they were now involved and interviewed his child about it. The father said he also provided a statement to FACS and the Waterloo Regional Police Service. 

"We cannot even imagine how [our child] felt," the father said.

Police are investigating. No one has been charged.