Court dismisses appeal by former WRDSB teacher
The Ontario Court of Appeal has dismissed an appeal by a former teacher who wanted to finish her presentation to trustees with the Waterloo Region District School Board.
At a board meeting on Jan. 17, 2022, Carolyn Burjoski expressed concern about some of the books in elementary school libraries. She felt the topics addressed, specifically gender and sexuality, were discussed in a way that wasn’t appropriate for young children.
Burjoski was then stopped mid-presentation by Board Chair Scott Piatkowski over worries her comments could violate the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Burjoski asked for a judicial review of the board’s decision. Her request, to finish her presentation to the board, was dismissed in a decision published Nov. 29, 2023. They found “no basis” for bias by the board and the decision to end her remarks was reached through a democratic process.
In December, Burjoski announced her intention to appeal.
That motion was dismissed on March 28.
According to the decision, posted to Burjoski’s website, she was also responsible for covering $2,500 in costs.
Burjoski responds
CTV News reached out to Burjoski to get her reaction to the dismissal.
She responded by email, saying, in part: “I was shocked and deeply disappointed by the Court of Appeal's decision to refuse to hear my appeal. My lawyers were confident that the Judicial Review decision from last November was flawed and that the Court of Appeal would allow our appeal to proceed. Despite this setback, I remain committed to fighting for free speech and holding the Waterloo Region District School Board accountable for their actions.”
Burjoski has also launched a separate $1.75 million lawsuit against the school board and Piatkowski, alleging defamation, libel and slander. The school board then asked the courts to dismiss the case but a judge rejected that request and ordered the school board to pay $30,000 for Burjoski’s legal fees.
At this time, no decision has been reached on the lawsuit.
“I am focused on the next phase of my defamation suit against the WRDSB,” Burjoski said in her email to CTV News. “I am optimistic about winning the board's appeal of my victory in their anti-SLAPP [strategic lawsuits against public participation] motion, which is expected to be heard this fall.”
CTV News has also reached out the Waterloo Region District School Board for comment on the appeal but have not yet received a response.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Lanny McDonald and a few old Flames take the Stanley Cup on a surprise visit to the man who saved his life
The Stanley Cup was passing through town Friday, and Lanny Legend took it upon himself to take it for a surprise visit.
Bathroom break nearly derails $22 million project at city council meeting
A brief break during Wednesday's city council meeting in Saskatoon nearly cost the city dearly.
Chad Daybell sentenced to death for killing wife and girlfriend’s two children in jury decision
Jurors resumed deliberations Saturday on whether a man should be sentenced to death after being convicted days earlier of the murders of his wife and his girlfriend’s two youngest children in Idaho.
Robert Pickton stabbed with toothbrush and broken broom handle: victim's family
The family of one of Robert Pickton's victims says the convicted serial killer suffered an incredibly violent death at the hands of another inmate.
Father who killed one-year-old son with axe may be allowed to travel in southwestern Ontario
A Mennonite father who killed his one-year-old son with an axe may be allowed to travel to parts of southern Ontario in the coming months
'It feels like freedom': Why some Albertans like going nude in nature
Few people can say they accidentally purchased a nude beach — but Shelley can. When she saw a piece of land she could fondly remember camping on was up for sale, she inquired about it and ended up purchasing it. She soon found that there were already inhabitants on it.
This Calgary home has a giant tree in the middle, and it's for sale
There's a luxury 'tree home' for sale in Calgary.
China lands spacecraft on the moon amid growing space rivalry with U.S.
A Chinese spacecraft landed on the far side of the moon Sunday to collect soil and rock samples that could provide insights into differences between the less-explored region and the better-known near side.
Pedestrian dies after being hit by train in Brockville, Ont.
Brockville Police says a pedestrian has died following a collision with a train that was heading to Toronto.