A tragic incident has shaken the education community in Canada, as a former principal took his own life after facing harassment and bullying for expressing disagreement with an anti-racism instructor. Richard Bilkszto, who dedicated 24 years of his life to the Toronto District School Board, retired in 2019 but continued working as a fill-in principal. However, his reputation was systematically destroyed when he challenged the instructor’s claims during anti-racism training sessions in 2021. Bilkszto’s lawyer, Lisa Bildy, stated that the continuous stress and effects of the harassment caused severe mental distress, ultimately leading to his suicide on July 13.
The training sessions, led by Kike Ojo-Thompson, founder of the KOJO Institute, aimed to address the struggles faced by Black individuals. However, Bilkszto’s lawsuit revealed that Ojo-Thompson claimed Canada was more racist than the United States due to its failure to confront its anti-Black history. Bilkszto disagreed with this viewpoint and faced condemnation for seemingly undermining a Black woman. During a subsequent session, Ojo-Thompson used Bilkszto’s objections as an example of supporting white supremacy.
Bilkszto reported Ojo-Thompson’s misconduct, but the school board allegedly failed to investigate the matter thoroughly. Instead, an unidentified board member praised Ojo-Thompson for handling Bilkszto’s discomfort. However, an investigation conducted by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board concluded that Ojo-Thompson’s behavior constituted workplace harassment and bullying. Bilkszto was recognized as a victim and offered two months of lost earnings. Nonetheless, the damage to his reputation and the school board’s refusal to reinstate his contract led Bilkszto to feel the devastating effects of the incidents.
In his final months, Bilkszto actively opposed the district’s equity-focused programs. Following his tragic death, the Toronto District School Board expressed gratitude for his contributions to education and acknowledged him as an advocate for student success. The KOJO Institute responded to the allegations, asserting that Bilkszto’s lawsuit presented an inaccurate and incomplete depiction of the training sessions.
This heartbreaking story serves as a reminder of the importance of fostering respect and open dialogue within educational institutions, while also addressing mental health challenges faced by professionals in the field.
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