TDSB Investigating After A Teacher Allegedly Sent A Controversial Mask Message To Students

A teacher from Northern Secondary School in Toronto is under investigation after allegedly sending a message to students about mask mandates.

A TDSB spokesperson told Narcity in an email that "the information shared by the staff member does not represent the guidance that has been shared by the TDSB or the Province."

On April 13, TDSB said that it prioritizes the health and safety of its staff and students.

Given that Ontario is seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases, TDSB said, "we as a system, are asking that all staff and students please wear a well-fitting mask when indoors in schools to limit the spread of COVID-19 and help minimize disruption from COVID-related absences."

"To be clear, this remains a personal decision," it added.

TDSB said that as a result of the message, the staff member has been placed "on home assignment pending the outcome of an investigation."

"Schools will remain welcoming, respectful and safe places for all, no matter what others' personal decisions may be," the email said.

The Toronto Sun reported on April 19 that the Northern Secondary School teacher sent an email to students stating, "This is to let you know that you will be admitted to our classroom only after I request that you have a well-fitting mask on."

"If you object to this request, and if you are OK with infecting me and others, maybe even killing me, no problem… you do you… seated in the Hallway [sic] outside our classroom ( not wandering ) … I’ll pass you some work to complete."

"If you use that hallway time to disappear or to be disruptive, that will lead to detentions and other consequences," the teacher reportedly said.

TDSB did not share the name of the school teacher at the time of publication.