US EditionParkdale Teacher Fired for Wearing Blackface Costume Should Be Reinstated: Arbitrator
Arbitrator found the teacher's 19-year record and remorse justified reinstatement with compensation from October 2023 after completing anti-racism training.
- Arbitrator Norm Jesin ordered last week that Toronto teacher Gorian Surlan, fired for wearing blackface at Parkdale Collegiate Institute in October 2021, be reinstated and compensated.
- Surlan, a teacher at Parkdale Collegiate Institute, arrived wearing black clothes, a black hockey-style mask and black face paint in October 2021; students photographed him, reported feeling upset to the vice-principal, and he was placed on leave.
- Quoting his decision, Jesin said `He quickly studied the issue, apologized for his actions and was clearly very contrite` and noted `He was horrified to learn about the history of blackface and the implications of his wearing of black make-up to cover his face`.
- After an investigation, the Toronto District School Board terminated Surlan on Nov. 15, 2021, citing policy breach; he filed a grievance under Ontario's Labour Relations Act and Jesin ordered compensation from Oct. 1, 2023.
- The incident provoked a major uproar in the Parkdale community and extensive media coverage, with the Canadian Press and CBC Toronto seeking comment from the TDSB and the OSSTF.
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Toronto teacher fired for wearing blackface should be reinstated, arbitrator rules
Gorian Surlan, a former white teacher at Parkdale Collegiate Institute, was fired after showing up for work in blackface as part of what he said was a “zombie” costume for Halloween in 2021.
·Toronto, Canada
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Toronto teacher who wore blackface as Halloween costume should be ‘reinstated,’ arbitrator rules
A Toronto teacher who was fired in 2021 for wearing blackface on Halloween while claiming to be dressed as a zombie should be reinstated and compensated for nearly two years of lost wages and benefits, an arbitrator has ruled.
·Toronto, Canada
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The Hamilton Spectator+7 Reposted by 7 other sources
Toronto teacher fired for wearing blackface costume should be reinstated: arbitrator
TORONTO - An Ontario arbitrator has ruled that a Toronto high school teacher who was fired after wearing a Halloween costume involving blackface four years ago should be reinstated and compensated for lost wages.
·Hamilton, Canada
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Total News Sources17
Leaning Left6Leaning Right3Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution55% Left
Bias Distribution
- 55% of the sources lean Left
55% Left
L 55%
C 18%
R 27%
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