Two teachers have been put on leave from a North York high school as the Toronto Catholic District School Board investigates an exchange of racist messages on social media.
The incident was first flagged by a student who had access to a shared social media account for a program at James Cardinal McGuigan Catholic High School.
In it, a teacher allegedly had shared an anti-Black racist image to the account of another teacher at the school, who replied “LMAO where are the chicken wings, [F-word][N-word] are all the same.”
A TCDSB spokesperson confirmed that the two teachers have been placed on leave and that an investigation is underway given the involvement of students and racist content.
They said the board “acted immediately” after the incident was made known to them. Support is in place for any students and staff affected by the events.
“Teachers hold positions of trust and influence, and any conduct that interferes with the Board’s duty to maintain a safe and respectful school environment will not be tolerated,” they said.
That action and accountability should’ve been raised earlier, said Charline Grant, executive director of Parents of Black Children, an organization that advocates for the rights of Black families across Canada and in parts of the U.S.
Grant says the incident was initially reported to the school’s principal and superintendent, who she says did not take action or hold the teachers accountable.
“The principal and the superintendent, from what we have heard, they did not take it seriously initially. They did not act. They went into full support mode and minimizing this violent act,” Grant said.
“Racist educators have no business educating our children … if they could do this in a forum like this, what are they doing when no one’s watching,” she said.
Grant said teachers that were part of the “disgusting” incident should have their licences revoked and be made an example for future educators.
She also urges the school board to not “recycle” teachers by transferring them to another school — a solution that happens all too often in these cases, she said.
CBC News reached out to the Ontario Ministry of Education for comment.
