Rainbow Prom shut down early after students report feeling sick

Rainbow Prom in Hamilton was cut short Wednesday night after several kids reported feeling ill.

The event, organized by the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) for two-spirit and LGBTQ students and allies, ended at 10 p.m. - a half-hour before scheduled - after emergency services were called.

Supt. Dave Thompson of the Hamilton Paramedic Services said several ambulances were sent to Michaelangelo Banquet Centre, a popular prom venue on Upper Ottawa Street on the east Mountain, at 10 p.m. on June 15 for reports of multiple patients feeling unwell."

Thompson said paramedics examined six people, some refusing further treatment. Two females were assessed and left in the care of parents" and a third was transported to hospital in stable condition, he said.

Rumours that drinks were spiked were circulating among students and parents.

HWDSB spokesperson Shawn McKillop said in an email these reports are untrue and speculative."

Paramedics examined six students and determined that no symptoms were consistent with a stimulant or depressant," he said. Police also attended and found that no further action was required."

Const. Krista-Lee Ernst told The Spectator allegations students were drugged were unconfirmed and unsubstantiated."

It was reported to us the students were getting sick and drowsy, so we did a sweep of the area and didn't locate anything," she said. No criminal charges were laid.

She said there was evidence of alcohol" among students at prom.

But several students, all of whom say they weren't drinking or taking drugs, told The Spectator they felt sick after drinking from a shared water pitcher and feared they were drugged.

I was dizzy, I was vomiting, I was focused on one thing and then focused on another, my eyes were blood red and I was just super calm," said Darrah Seager, a Grade 12 student at Bernie Custis Secondary School. It wasn't normal."

Two more students told The Spectator they felt ill after drinking water from a pitcher at the same table.

One student shared that he and his girlfriend, who at one point vomited into a garbage can, had similar symptoms. Chaperons took them to a room in the back, where the were joined by several more students who were also feeling sick. Twenty minutes later, emergency services were called.

The students say they were not tested for drugs.

One parent told The Spectator the teens they drove home were shaken up."

Darrah, valedictorian for her graduating class, said she feels the board and police are trying to sweep it under (the rug)." She said dehydration and anxiety were suggested to students as possible cases of illness.

I was drinking a lot of water," she said. I was dancing and constantly drinking cups."

Ernst said anyone with information that hasn't yet been reported is encouraged to call police at 905-546-4925.

Kate McCullough is an education reporter at The Spectator. kmccullough@thespec.com