Peel Region Public Health is in damage control mode after backlash erupted online over a policy regarding the self-isolation of asymptomatic students after a cohort was sent home.

"It was evident during the consultation phase that the current [school resource officer] program caused a negative impact on segments of our student population," police said in a statement on Wednesday.

"We have heard from members of our school communities, in particular those who identify as Black and Indigenous, that they do not feel safe when SROs and other police officers are present in Peel schools."