Toronto high school teacher suspended over controversial jokes

A Toronto high school teacher has been suspended after allegedly handing out sheets of controversial jokes to his students.

Jeff Jones, a drama teacher at Oakwood Collegiate Institute, is accused of giving his Grade 10 students several pages of one-liners as part of an assignment  in early January. They were to come up with their own jokes modelled on the examples.

However, many of the jokes were sexist or racist, and some involved references to sexual violence and dead babies.

At least one parent at the St. Clair Avenue and Dufferin Street school complained. Jones is working from home while the Toronto District School Board investigates the complaint.

“A parent came forward in January concerning the material and an investigation began,” principal Ellen Austrom told CityNews.

“It is a concern. We want out students to be working with material that is respectful and inclusive,” Austrom said.

Reaction from students at Oakwood was mixed on Friday.

“I think it was blown way out of proportion,” Kiana, one of Jones’ Grade 12 students, told CityNews.

“I think it’s utterly disgusting. How could a teacher do that?” Kristen, a Grade 9 student, told CityNews.

“I don’t think it’s right,” she added.

Jones did not respond to CityNews’ request for comment.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today