Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / Pattison Media / SD33 Superintendent Rohan Arul-pragasam confirmed in an email Friday (June 9) that Chilliwack School District has stopped the practice of allowing dunk tanks to be used for fundraising purposes. According to Arul-pragasam, this decision stems from its recent awareness of the racist origins associated with the dunk tank game. All school and community rental groups have been notified about the immediate policy change.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

SD33 bans dunk tanks due to racism

Chilliwack School District bans dunk tanks due to what it calls racist origins

Jun 12, 2023 | 9:03 AM

CHILLIWACK — Chilliwack School District Superintendent Rohan Arul-pragasam confirmed in an email Friday (June 9) that SD33 will ban the use of dunk tanks for fundraising purposes due to what it calls racism surrounding its historical practices.

“We would like to inform you that, with immediate effect, the Chilliwack School District has implemented a decision prohibiting the use of dunk tanks on school district property,” Arul-pragasam wrote in an email to SD33 staff. “This decision stems from our recent awareness of the racist origins associated with the dunk tank game. We understand that this prompt action may have an impact on events that have already been planned, and we sincerely appreciate your understanding and cooperation in complying with this decision. Thanks. Rohan.”

In response to an email from Fraser Valley Today asking whether this policy change was correct, Arul-pragasam said, “This information is correct, and thanks for checking.”

The email to SD33 staff noted that school district personnel have notified all school and community rental groups, meaning that anyone renting school district property cannot utilize dunk tanks moving forward.

“Please note that we will be stopping the practice of using dunk tanks to fundraise given its rooted history to white supremacy,” Arul-pragasam noted in his email to staff.

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One school had planned to have a dunk tank at their grade 5 carnival. They have been notified about the immediate prohibition, the email stated.