Family Support Institute of BC (FSI) welcomes Ombudsperson’s investigation into student exclusions from BC public schools
(January 14, 2025 – New Westminster, B.C.)— The Family Support Institute of BC (FSI) stands in full support of the investigation announced today by BC Ombudsperson Jay Chalke into the exclusion of students, particularly those with disabilities, from the province’s K-12 public education system.
FSI hears from hundreds of families each year who share heartbreaking stories of their children experiencing informal and formal exclusion from classrooms and school activities, leaving children without equal educational opportunities, supports and school experiences. These exclusions often arise from inadequate resources or responses to perceived disruptive or unsafe behaviours, which disproportionately impact students with disabilities.
“This investigation is a critical step towards uncovering the systemic barriers that prevent all students from accessing equitable, inclusive education,” says Angela Clancy, Executive Director of FSI. “Every child has the right to learn in an environment that values their unique strengths and provides the necessary supports to succeed. We applaud the Ombudsperson’s commitment to ensuring fairness and accountability in our education system.”
To amplify the voices of families and students impacted by exclusion, FSI encourages families to utilize our Exclusion Tracker, managed in partnership with BCEdAccess Society. The Exclusion Tracker is an online tool that records instances of exclusion from school, activities, or other aspects of K-12 education. The data collected through the Exclusion Tracker will help highlight patterns and inform advocacy efforts aimed at driving meaningful change in BC’s education system.
Families can access the Exclusion Tracker here: https://familysupportbc.com/support/exclusion-tracker/
As a rights-based organization dedicated to supporting self-advocates and families of children with disabilities across BC, FSI is committed to working collaboratively with the Ombudsperson’s office, the Ministry of Education and Child Care, school districts, and community partners to ensure that all children can access and thrive in inclusive educational settings.
Find the Ombudsperson’s announcement of their investigation, which includes a questionnaire for families to participate, at this link: https://bcombudsperson.ca/news_release/ombudsperson-investigating-exclusion-of-students-from-bc-public-schools/
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About Family Support Institute of BC:
The Family Support Institute (FSI) supports families who have family members with disabilities and mental health challenges. FSI is unique in Canada and is the only grass-roots, family-to-family support organization. FSI believes families are the best resource to support one another and the most vital voice for their family members. FSI supports all families with children of all ages, disabilities, and concurrent conditions. FSI’s supports are free to any family.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Angela Clancy
Executive Director
Family Support Institute of BC
(604) 540-8374 ext 6
