# Teachers Speak Out on the Impact of DEI Training in Toronto District School Board
Teachers within the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) have expressed their concerns about the shift in focus from curriculum to Diversity and Equity (DEI) training since the pandemic. According to one teacher, the administrators prioritize discussions on equity, human rights, and diversity, rather than the curriculum. This change in priorities has left teachers feeling frustrated and questioning their career choices. Over the past week, several teachers have shared their experiences anonymously, highlighting the drastic changes in the education system under education director Colleen Russell-Rawlins. The recent suicide of principal Richard Bilkszto has further amplified the concerns among TDSB staff, leading some to come forward and share their own experiences. Despite attempts to obtain a response from Russell-Rawlins, the TDSB has declined to provide any additional comments.
One of the key issues raised by teachers is the alleged bullying and harassment by DEI trainer, Kike Ojo-Thompson, hired by the TDSB. Principal Bilkszto had filed a claim against the TDSB three months prior to his suicide, citing mistreatment during DEI training sessions. Audio recordings of these sessions support his claims. In response, Russell-Rawlins reaffirmed the board’s commitment to DEI training. However, the anonymous teachers fear the consequences of speaking out and claim that their careers are at risk if they deviate from the prescribed narrative or if they are perceived as behaving inappropriately towards minority students or colleagues.
Teachers claim that their focus in the classroom has shifted away from core subjects like reading, writing, and math towards a heavy emphasis on diversity activities. They are required to engage in various activities, such as Indigenous education, steel pan drumming, East Indian dancing, seminars on Islamophobia, and brainstorming sessions on anti-black racism. While some basic subjects are still touched upon, teachers feel that they are expected to prioritize diversity-related activities. The teachers are also required to provide evidence of their participation in these activities to their school administrators regularly.
As a result, teachers struggle to keep up with the curriculum, leading to declining test scores across the province. Some teachers report feeling unsupported and fear the repercussions of not adhering to the DEI training directives. Teachers also reveal instances of vindictive behavior by principals, racial biases, and a lack of support from the union. The extent of DEI training varies from school to school and superintendent to superintendent, and those who prioritize curriculum-focused teaching often face disciplinary actions or labeling as racist.
Teachers express support for a “back to basics” approach promoted by the education minister, Stephen Lecce, but believe that school boards need to be held accountable for the current state of affairs. They find Russell-Rawlins’ statement about the continuation of DEI work to be insulting and dismissive of their concerns. The teachers feel that the public is unaware of the situation or chooses to ignore it.
In conclusion, teachers within the TDSB have shared their frustrations about the impact of DEI training on the curriculum and their ability to effectively teach core subjects. They advocate for a balanced approach that prioritizes foundational education while also addressing issues of diversity and equity.
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