Premier promises answers for B.C. mom whose son says a man changed his clothes in school basement

After a mother spoke to CTV News about a disturbing incident involving her six-year-old son, the school board appears to have taken action.

B.C. Premier David Eby is weighing in on a Vancouver mother’s challenges getting answers after her neurodivergent son told her his clothes were changed by an adult in a school basement.

Jasmine Barahona’s six-year-old son came home from χpey̓ Elementary in East Vancouver school last Wednesday wearing a brand-new outfit, including new underwear.

Barahona said she never received a phone call from the school to inform her of the clothing change.

That night, she asked her son what happened.

“He said, a man took him to the basement and changed him in a closet,” Barahona said. “I immediately tried to hold my cool.”

That admission from Barahona’s youngest child prompted her to pressure his elementary school and the Vancouver School Board for answers.

Since last week, all she’s been told is that an educational assistant was working that day.

“How are we supposed to ensure that our children are safe and that we’re going to feel OK sending our kids here?,” she said.

Premier’s response

On Wednesday, the premier promised Barahona would get clarity on the situation.

“I can’t even imagine what I would do if my child came home and told me a story like that,” Eby said.

“My heart goes out to this parent, and we’ll stand in support with her to make sure she gets all the answers she needs.”

The premier added that any time there are concerns such as this, parents deserve answers quickly.

“Every single kid when they go to school needs to be safe,” he said.

Staff member on leave

CTV News asked the VSB Tuesday whether a staff member had been put on leave.

On Wednesday, it confirmed that detail.

The Vancouver Police Department said it’s working with the VSB to gather more information.

No one from the school board was made available for an interview.

In an email, the VSB said, staff are in regular contact with the family, ensuring they have access to supports throughout this process.

As for Barahona’s son, he hasn’t been back to school since the incident.

The school was supposed to be a safe space for her child, now Barahona is questioning whether he should return at all.