Full Breakdown
Anti-Bullying Rally Held Outside Ascension Collegiate in Bay Roberts
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Incident Prompting Community Action
A video circulating on social media showed one teenage boy assaulting another in a public washroom at Ascension Collegiate, while a third youth stood by the doorway. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) were first notified of the incident on a Sunday. Two youths were arrested on the following Wednesday; one faces charges of assault and forcible confinement, and the other faces a charge of forcible confinement. A first court appearance is scheduled for December.
Community Response and Rally
Parents, students and local residents gathered near the school with handmade anti-bullying signs. A line of motorcycles and cars passed the school, revving horns in solidarity.
Official Statements & Responses
Harbour Grace-Port de Grave MHA Pam Parsons, who was on campus earlier in the day, condemned the violence and noted that the Liberal government has asked the provincial minister to investigate. Education Minister Paul Dinn described the episode as “horrendous” and said the province’s “safe and caring schools” policy is under review, with expectations for a revised policy that will address such issues. The Department of Education reiterated that students, teachers and staff are entitled to a safe environment, that school administration handled the incident at the time, and that the RCMP were notified for any further action.
Legal Proceedings
The two arrested youths remain subject to the Youth Criminal Justice Act, which protects their identities. Their charges will be formally presented at the December court appearance.