PLEASE SUPPORT THE FRIENDS OF VIC HIGH LEGAL ACTION FUND TO FIGHT SD61’s IMPROPER TRANSFER OF VIC HIGH LAND. NEW GOAL SET.

UPDATE: Our legal challenge was filed on April 12, 2023, to the BC Supreme Court in a petition put forth by Brit Forsyth a Vic High parent. We expect the court date to be set sometime before the end of 2023 if not early 2024. The delay in having our case heard has been caused by the extensive legal engagement that our lawyers have had with each of the legal teams of SD61, The City of Victoria, the Ministry of Education, and the CRHC since April.

We had raised an initial $25,000 (thank you to our generous online and offline donors) and now need to raise another $30,000 to take our case to the finish line.

The good news is that the other side is taking our petition seriously because we have a very strong case. The bad news is that tour legal bills have skyrocketed, which we expect was part of the strategy of the other side. We need your help to keep our legal team going as they prepare for an imminent court date.

Proceeds from your generous donations will go to pay the legal fees (some already incurred) for our solicitors at Mulroney Siver Law including anticipated court costs. Thank you.

Here is a link to the filed petition. Petition Filed with the BC Supreme Court

Here is a summary of our efforts to date.

The Friends of Vic High are fighting for equality and fairness for the students of Victoria High School (Vic High). We believe the decision by the Board of Education of School District No. 61 ("SD61") to grant a Statutory Right of Way to the City of Victoria (on Vic High land) was an attempt to circumvent the Ministry of Education’s authority and SD61's obligations, to the detriment of current and future students of Vic High and the surrounding community.

Since 2007, Vic High has planned to revitalize the Memorial Stadium (built to honour staff and students who paid the ultimate sacrifice in WWII) with a standard, competitive metric track, a turf field, and a reimagined grandstand. The Statutory Right of Way forces a modification of these long-standing plans that were downsized without public knowledge or consultation, and in violation of Ministry and SD61 policies and regulations. This marginalization of Vic High students is nothing new. Vic High has experienced systemic inequality (based on socioeconomic factors) for more than five decades now. It has to stop! 

We are receiving growing public support from Victorians. Visit our Facebook page to see the media coverage our filing has received and learn more about our efforts.

WE NEED YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO SUPPORT OUR ONGOING LEGAL CHALLENGE.

We have been fighting for the equality rights of Vic High Students for nearly three years as it relates to this matter. Meanwhile, we have seen SD61 continue to demonstrate a lack of accountability, transparency, and openness in dealing with systemic racism, systemic inequality, and fiscal management, and they have failed to effectively consult with parents, students, and community stakeholders on a number of related issues. 

IMPORTANT: THE FRIENDS OF VIC HIGH ARE NOT A REGISTERED CHARITY OR NON-PROFIT. AS SUCH, WE DO NOT HAVE THE ABILITY TO ISSUE CHARITABLE RECEIPTS.

 

About the Friends of Vic High:

The Friends of Vic High, co-founded by Esther Callo, Tak Niketas, and Stephen Dorsey, is a group of community advocates and Vic High alumni who are seeking to have the originally envisioned Memorial Stadium Revitalization Project for Vic High built and delivered as promised. The Friends formed as a result of, and to push back against, 50 years of neglect and resource disadvantage to Vic High, in addition to the well-understood systemic racism and inequality both at the Vic High and School District levels. The group’s sole interest is to advocate for the rights of current and future students of Vic High as it relates to this project and to ensure equality of treatment and opportunity.

 

Fundraising Committee Contact: 

Tak Niketas, Vic High 1983 Alumnus

Co-Founder, Friends of Vic High 

[email redacted]

Media Contact / Spokesperson:

Stephen Dorsey, Vic High 1984 Alumnus

Co-Founder, Friends of Vic High

[email redacted]

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/208406680932681

Photo Credit: CTV Vancouver Island