NDP Education Critic Rosario Marchese today condemned the Ministry of Education’s School Information Finder website for its inclusion of offensive and discriminatory information about students and parents.

“This kind of information facilitates the ranking of schools in a way that is discriminatory and not in the best interests of the students,” said Marchese.

The website identifies the number of special education students in each school as well as information about the language and immigration status of the children and the income and education levels of the parents.

Groups like the Colour of Poverty Campaign and the Ministry’s own Education Partnership Table are opposed not only to the content of the site, but the complete lack of consultation.

“This site is also not consistent with the government’s own Equity and Inclusiveness Education Strategy,” added Marchese. “This information facilitates segregation and elitism.”

Despite repeated calls from Mr. Marchese to take down the website the minister has refused.

“What is clear is that there has been overwhelming opposition to this site since its inception. Both the Premier and Minister Wynne should take down the website immediately and consult with the stakeholders,” concluded Marchese.