Anti-racism teacher blames ‘right-wing media’ after protesting principal commits suicide

An anti-racism teacher who claimed Canada is extra racist than the US has blamed the “right-wing media” for discrediting her group after a principal committed suicide while enduring alleged harassment for calling her out.

Kike Ojo-Thompson, founder and CEO of the KOJO Institute, informed Toronto educators in 2021 that Canada may very well be deemed extra racist as a result of, in contrast to the US, it has “by no means reckoned with its anti-black historical past,” in response to a associated lawsuit filed in opposition to the college district.

Richard Bilkszto, 60 — a former trainer in Buffalo, NY, who served as a fill-in principal in Toronto and attended one in every of Ojo-Thompson’s coaching classes — had claimed that the black feminine teacher overtly bullied him for talking out in opposition to her assertion throughout the session.

He additionally stated the college board appeared to aspect along with her later.

He took his personal life July 13.

Ojo-Thompson, who has come underneath fireplace over the ordeal, says political opponents are merely concentrating on her.

“This incident is being weaponized to discredit and suppress the work of everybody dedicated to range, fairness, and inclusion,” she stated in a press release, the Toronto Sun reported.

“Whereas the protection by right-wing media of this controversy is disappointing and led to our group and group members receiving threats and vitriol on-line, we is not going to be deterred from our work in constructing a greater society for everybody,” the embattled girl added.

The Toronto faculty board and Schooling Ministry have introduced an investigation into the event coaching – which included ideas from the controversial important race idea — after the emotional misery that Bilkszto allegedly suffered earlier than he took his life.

“KOJO Institute welcomes Schooling Minister Stephen Lecce’s evaluation of this matter and can cooperate totally with Ministry officers,” Ojo-Thompson stated in her assertion.

“We imagine the Ministry of Schooling is finest positioned to analyze this matter to unravel what transpired on the Toronto District Faculty Board after our workshop concluded over two years in the past,” she stated.

Bilkszto’s lawyer, Lisa Bildy, famous {that a} Office Security and Insurance coverage Board had dominated her shopper was in actual fact the topic of office bullying within the aftermath of the anti-racism coaching that centered on the struggles of black individuals.

After Bilkszto had referred to as out the teacher about her assertion, Ojo-Thompson allegedly lashed out at him throughout the session for showing to undermine a black girl.

“We’re right here to speak about anti-Black racism, however you in your whiteness suppose you can inform me what’s actually happening for Black individuals” she stated, in response to the lawsuit filed in opposition to the district by the Basis Towards Intolerance and Racism, of which Bilkskto was a member.

She later allegedly introduced up the argument once more, describing it to Bilkszto and his colleagues as a “real-life” instance of somebody supporting white supremacy.

Bilkszto, who claimed faculty officers didn’t look into Ojo-Thompson’s alleged misconduct and appeared to aspect along with her, later obtained the favorable ruling by the Office Security and Insurance coverage Board that acknowledged her conduct “was abusive, egregious and vexatious, and rises to the extent of office harassment and bullying.”

However the principal stated his repute was ruined by Ojo-Thompson and the college board’s actions.

The district refused to reinstate Bilkszto’s contract after a six-week medial depart — which he claimed was a results of both his broken repute or as revenge for having the WSIB examine the matter.

“Our hearts exit to Richard’s household and family members,” faculties rep Ryan Fowl later stated in a press release.

“He was a powerful advocate for college students — notably these in grownup and different training — and labored tirelessly to create an atmosphere that fostered scholar success for college students of all ages,” it added.

The Toronto district will likely be utilizing an outdoor company, King Worldwide Advisory Group, to conduct its investigation.

“Our intention is for this investigation to be performed in knowledgeable, delicate and respectful method,” it stated, Fox Information Digital reported.

The KOJO Institute, which confronted its personal lawsuit from the district for alleged negligence and for breaching contract, stated in a press release that “the loss of life of Richard Bilkszto is a tragedy and all of us at KOJO Institute provide our condolences to his family members.”

If you’re battling suicidal ideas or are experiencing a psychological well being disaster and reside in New York Metropolis, you’ll be able to name 1-888-NYC-WELL free of charge and confidential disaster counseling. For those who reside outdoors the 5 boroughs, you’ll be able to dial the 24/7 Nationwide Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.