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4w ago

Arbitrator Orders Reinstatement of Toronto Teacher Fired Over 2021 Blackface Incident

The ruling cites remediation that convinced the arbitrator the employment relationship can be rehabilitated.

The door to a classroom is seen at a school in Toronto, Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
Image
This social media post shows Gorian Surlan in blackface. An arbitrator ruled that the Toronto District School Board was wrong to fire him.

Overview

  • Arbitrator Norm Jesin’s Aug. 14 decision directs the Toronto District School Board to reinstate Gorian Surlan with no loss of seniority and to compensate him for wages and benefits lost since Oct. 1, 2023.
  • The decision substitutes a lengthy suspension—running from his November 2021 firing until his return to good standing on Oct. 1, 2023—in place of termination.
  • Jesin noted Surlan expressed remorse, completed anti-Black racism coursework, and regained his teaching certificate in good standing, concluding termination was disproportionate.
  • Surlan, a 19-year veteran teacher, attended school in blackface for a 2021 Halloween event, prompting student distress, community protests, and a TDSB investigation.
  • The TDSB argued the conduct could reasonably be described as racist with severe, lasting impact, while the Ontario College of Teachers separately imposed a one-month suspension and mandated training in 2023.