Racism Investigation: Two Toronto Teachers Removed from Classroom

Two educators at James Cardinal McGuigan Catholic High School are currently on administrative leave following the discovery of “blatant” anti-Black messages shared on a school-affiliated social media account.

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The Incident

The controversy began when a student discovered a digital trail of racist content on an account used for the school’s student athletics program. The exchange reportedly included:

• The use of the N-word and other racial slurs.
• A racist meme allegedly shared by one teacher.
• Stereotypical and derogatory comments made by a second teacher in response.

Backlash and Allegations of Mismanagement

While the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) claims it took swift action, the advocacy group Parents of Black Children (PoBC) has raised serious concerns regarding the school’s internal handling of the discovery:

• Delayed Reporting: Allegations that school leadership did not immediately notify the superintendent.
• Minimization: Claims that an initial meeting with students felt like an attempt to “sweep the issue under the rug” rather than address the trauma.
• Student Fear: Black students have expressed concerns about academic retaliation or damaged university prospects for speaking out.

The Path Forward

The teachers remain on leave as the investigation continues. Advocacy groups are now pushing for the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) to intervene, demanding the permanent revocation of the educators’ licenses to ensure a “zero-tolerance” precedent is set.