Toronto Police and educator resolve racial profiling case

TORONTO, May 14, 2013 /CNW/ - The Toronto Police Service (TPS), the Toronto Police Services Board (TPSB), and educator Dr. Clem Marshall have reached an agreement to settle his Human Rights Application. The terms of the settlement are confidential and neither the TPS nor the TPSB has admitted any liability.

Dr. Marshall and a friend were driving in the Parkdale neighbourhood of Toronto when stopped by police in 2009, an incident Marshall attributed to racial profiling.  "Humiliation hurts. It has left a deep scar. I felt I had to stand up because we want our youth to know we have a right to defend our dignity.  We can use this incident to continue to build a stronger community."

"Standing up against racial abuse, protecting our rights and knowing our responsibilities are essential skills.  Sharing what we've learned with our youth and rebuilding trust are critical in ensuring a safer, healthier community," continued Marshall.

To this end, Dr. Marshall will use funds from the settlement to create an innovative program for African-Canadian youth in Toronto.  A series of events will be offered in community settings across Toronto to encourage African-Canadian youth to share their experiences with the justice system and learn about their rights. 

"The issue of racial profiling is a significant concern for many of the Centre's clients and Mr. Marshall's decision to come forward with his experience has benefitted everyone," said Sharan K. Basran, counsel with the Human Rights Legal Support Centre.  "Racial profiling creates harm, not only for the individual, but for the community as a whole."

The Human Rights Legal Support Centre provides legal assistance to people in communities across Ontario who have experienced discrimination contrary to Ontario's Human Rights Code.

Image with caption: "Dr. Marshall will be using funds from the racial profiling settlement to produce a series of community events asking African-Canadian youth to share their experiences with the justice system and learn about their rights. (CNW Group/Human Rights Legal Support Centre)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130514_C6368_PHOTO_EN_26651.jpg

SOURCE: Human Rights Legal Support Centre

For further information: or to arrange interviews:
Jennifer Ramsay, Human Rights Legal Support Centre [phone] or mobile: [phone]