During discussions to include specific dimensions of diversity protected under the Human Rights Code; gender identity, gender expression, family status and marital status within their Code of Conduct, as grounds upon which members of the Toronto Catholic District School Board community cannot be treated unfairly, Trustee Del Grande abused his platform speaking out of line, and should be removed from his seat as a result.

In a shocking and out of touch display of unprofessional conduct, Mike Del Grande introduced a 12-page amendment listing acts such as bestiality, pedophilia, sadism, polygamy, vampirism, cannibalism and rape; stating that these (mainly criminal) acts are equally as deserving of protection against discrimination as our youth and families that are included in the code, within the TCDSB community.

He was ultimately ruled out of order and the amendment was discarded.

At a previous meeting, Del Grande held up his hands in quotes referring to the LGBT+ community as a “trend” claiming he’s simply not “moderate” enough, in a condescending manner. Proving further that he is being flippant on this topic of protecting our marginalized youth and their families. He is a disgrace to our great education system!

We are calling on a united public that supports inclusion through rejecting discriminatory behaviours and attitudes whenever possible, particularly within positions of leadership.

***UPDATES SUMMARY***

An independent investigative report was finally disclosed to complainants on November 5th, 2020, only after Kathleen Wynne applied pressure onto the Minister of Education at Ontario's Legislative Assembly. 

The report details how Trustee Del Grande did breach of his code of conduct despite his peers (Lubinski, Tanuan, Crawford and Kennedy) previously exonerating him. We have yet to hear why these trustee's conduct has not been reviewed for voting in bad faith.

In light of the report release, a special board meeting was held on November 12, 2020, where Trustee Kennedy came to her senses and flipped the split vote in favour of a breach, and sanctions were applied.

Del Grande has flippantly refused all sanctions, and is even challenging the board's decision via judicial review.

The Ministry of Education has issued a news release that details action plan titled: Ontario Supporting 2SLGBTQI+ Students - Province Taking Action to Combat Homophobia and Promote Inclusion.