Twelve Jewish teachers and educators have lodged human rights applications against four Ontario school boards and two teachers’ unions, claiming systemic antisemitism and discrimination at their workplaces.
The applications, submitted on Thursday to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, name several school boards and unions.
Included are the Toronto District School Board, York Region District School Board, Simcoe County District School Board, and Ottawa-Carleton District School Board.
The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario and the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation are also included in the applications.
In a news release issued on Thursday, the applicants assert that they faced discrimination due to their ethnicity. They also claim that the institutions responsible for their workplaces did not act upon reported discrimination and, in some instances, retaliated against them for speaking out.
“For too long, Jewish teachers in Ontario have gone to work facing antisemitism, and when they asked their school boards and unions for help, they were ignored and in some cases faced reprisal,” Kathryn Marshall stated, representing the applicants. “These educators are standing up today because they refuse to stay silent any longer. The institutions responsible for protecting them must be held accountable.”
The applicants are seeking $150,000 each in general damages for discrimination as well as compensation for psychological counselling.
They also want the tribunal to mandate that the respondents create “transparent and enforceable policies” aimed at combating systemic antisemitism with input from the Jewish community.
Michelle Outmezguine, an educator and ETFO member is among those filing complaints. She asserts that unions and school boards silenced and disciplined Jewish educators who spoke up.
“It is a double standard and it is unacceptable,” Outmezguine said.
The applications were submitted on Oct. 1, 2026.
The allegations presented in these applications have yet to be reviewed by the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario.
Responses from School Boards and Unions
In an email to City News, the Toronto District School Board states that claims of antisemitism along with “other forms of hate” are investigated thoroughly.
“Antisemitism has no place in our communities or schools. The Board has worked with community groups and agencies to combat antisemitism while fostering inclusive schools where students and staff feel safe,” they added.
York Regional District School Board (YRDSB) mentioned they can’t comment on matters currently before the Human Rights Tribunal but remain dedicated to creating “inclusive” spaces.
“YRDSB is committed to creating safe, welcoming inclusive learning environments for all students and staff,” a spokesperson wrote via email.
Meanwhile, the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) stated they refrain from commenting on legal issues pending before the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal.
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