Parents rally at Parkdale Collegiate in response to teacher wearing blackface

An anti-racism rally took place at Parkdale Collegiate Institute on Saturday, following an incident where a teacher was seen wearing blackface.

Parents gathered to speak out against racism and against the teacher who showed up to school with their face painted on the Friday before Halloween.

The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) say they have taken a number of steps to ensure something similar will not happen again.

Dr. Debbie Donsky, the superintendent of TDSB says in a letter sent to parents that the district will continue support for their students, this includes a professional learning session for all staff on Nov. 19.

These steps also include “circles of care” sessions for students to engage to learn about racism, an affinity space for black students and a successful motion which will see the school boards working with students and parents to ensure all schools are safe from anti-black racism.

In a letter sent out to parents shortly after the blackface incident, Principal Julie Ardell said “regardless of whether this was intended or not, it was racist and dehumanizing.”

She says Parkdale Collegiate acted swiftly as soon as staff became aware of the incident, “including having the staff member immediately wash their face as to not cause further harm.” Ardell says a report was filed with the Toronto District School Board as part of their “Reporting and Responding to Racism and Hate Incidents Involving or Impacting Students Schools Procedure,” adopted in 2019.

The teacher has been placed on home assignment pending the results of an independent investigation.

A change.org petition was created by a woman who claims her son attends the high school.

“This is not a one-time incident. As parents, many of us have witnessed overt and micro racial aggressions toward our children,” reads the petition. “This incident, however, is severe, shocking and concerning.”

Another teacher at the school is reportedly under investigation for using the N-word a day before the blackface incident.

According to a report from the Toronto Star, on Oct. 28 a staff member used the slur in conversation with a small group of students. The school said the word was used in reference to a song students were listening to.

Administration  at the school reportedly became aware of the word being used and sent a letter to the school community.