Thom agrees to close investigation into racist remarks incident at Burrowes School of Art – ERC

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) on Saturday said it has decided to close the investigation into the racially charged incident at Burrowes School of Art, which was reported by Mr. Ivor Thom on September 7, 2024.

Despite extensive investigative efforts, the accused individual could not be identified, prompting Thom to agree to bring the matter to a close, the ERC said in a statement.

The ERC’s investigation was launched following an article published on September 21, 2024, which reported the resignation of a Burrowes School of Art administrator due to racist remarks.

Thom’s complaint, submitted on September 30, 2024, described an encounter with an individual who allegedly made racially offensive comments.

In the weeks that followed, the ERC said it carried out a thorough investigation, which included canvassing the area, gathering eyewitness statements, and attempting to secure video footage. They also sought assistance from the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports and the Protected Areas Commission, but all efforts to identify the accused were unsuccessful.

On January 3, 2025, the ERC contacted Thom to update him on the investigation’s progress. During the call, the ERC said Thom expressed that he considered the matter closed and did not wish to pursue further action. On January 8, 2025, the ERC formally requested written confirmation from Thom regarding his decision, but as of today, no response has been received.

Given these developments, the ERC has now closed the case. The Commission expressed regret that, despite diligent efforts, the investigation had reached a dead end due to the inability to identify the individual involved.