TVDSB investigates reported use of racial slurs at Saunders Secondary School – London | The Canadian News

The Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) says it is investigating after it was reported that a teacher at a high school in London, Ontario used a racial slur in class.

In a press release sent out late Monday afternoon, TVDSB said a student reported the incident to the Saunders High School administration last week.

The report alleges that a teacher used a racial slur “while reciting lyrics to popular songs during a 12th grade English class,” according to TVDSB.

The board added that “the teacher was removed from his teaching duties pending the completion of the investigation,” but did not elaborate on the status of their employment, including whether they are paid or not.

A spokesperson for TVDSB told Global News that the board will not comment further at this time “because it is under investigation.”

Education Director Mark Fisher said in the statement that he hopes all staff know that “there is no justifiable reason to use racist words at a Thames Valley school.”

“Using words that reflect a history of white colonialism, oppression, and racism, even in the context of deconstruction of art or music, can create emotional and traumatic triggers for racialized students,” added Fisher.

The TVDSB added that staff guidelines on “No use of racial and other slurs and epithets” will be released in the coming months.

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