Racist Conduct by Educators at James Cardinal McGuigan (TCDSB): Demand Accountability — Not Transfer

Over the Christmas break, racist messages were exchanged between two Ontario Certified Teachers on a student-visible school Instagram account at James Cardinal McGuigan Catholic Secondary School (TCDSB).

Students who witnessed the exchange reported it to staff. Instead of swift accountability, there were delays. A meeting was held where the racist content was not directly addressed. The educators remained in the school until external pressure escalated the matter.

Black students deserve safety — not gaslighting.
Black families deserve transparency — not quiet relocation.

Transferring educators does not address anti-Black racism.
It relocates harm.

According to reports provided to Parents of Black Children Canada ...

Over the Christmas break, racist messages were exchanged between two Ontario Certified Teachers on a student-visible school Instagram account at James Cardinal McGuigan Catholic Secondary School (TCDSB).

Students who witnessed the exchange reported it to staff. Instead of swift accountability, there were delays. A meeting was held where the racist content was not directly addressed. The educators remained in the school until external pressure escalated the matter.

Black students deserve safety — not gaslighting.
Black families deserve transparency — not quiet relocation.

Transferring educators does not address anti-Black racism.
It relocates harm.

According to reports provided to Parents of Black Children Canada, Ontario Certified Teachers David Joseph Damiani and Mario Antonio Pileggi were involved in a racist exchange on a student-visible school Instagram account during the Christmas break.

Students reported the content upon returning to school. Concerns were raised about delays in administrative response.

We are calling for:

• Removal — not relocation — pending investigation
• Transparent communication to the school community
• Protection against retaliation
• A full investigation by the Ontario College of Teachers into fitness to teach

Black students deserve accountability and safety in publicly funded education.

We are calling on:

• The Toronto Catholic District School Board to ensure removal — not reassignment
• The Director of Education to provide transparent communication
• The Ministry of Education to ensure oversight
• The Ontario College of Teachers to revoke the licenses of the educators involved - pending investigation

Add your voice. Demand accountability.

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Demand Accountability – James Cardinal McGuigan (TCDSB)

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Dear Director of Education and Minister of Education,

I am writing regarding the reported racist exchange between Ontario Certified Teachers David Joseph Damiani and Mario Antonio Pileggi on a student-visible Instagram account connected to James Cardinal McGuigan Catholic Secondary School (TCDSB).

According to reports shared publicly, the exchange included the use of a racial slur and harmful stereotypes targeting Black people. Students who witnessed the content reported it to staff upon returning from the Christmas break.

What has deeply concerned many in the community is the reported delay in response and the continued presence of the educators in the school before they were eventually placed on leave.

Black students deserve to feel safe, respected, and protected in publicly funded education. They should never have to question whether their dignity or academic future is at risk when raising concerns about racism.

I am calling for:

• Confirmation that the involved educators will not be relocated to another school while this matter is under investigation.

• Transparent communication to the communit.

• Clear protections against retaliation for students and staff.

• A full and independent investigation by the Ontario College of Teachers into the incident with appropriate consequences to their actions, and removal of their license once evidence is reviewed.

Relocation is not accountability. Transferring educators without resolution risks relocating harm.

Ontario’s education system must demonstrate that anti-Black racism is addressed with seriousness, transparency, and integrity.

I look forward to your response outlining the actions being taken to protect students and uphold public trust.

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