Shameless School Board Escalates Teacher's Legal Battle for Free Speech
An update from Carolyn Burjoski
Dear Friends and Supporters,
As you know, I have filed a Defamation Lawsuit against the WRDSB and its former Chair, Scott Piatkowski. In response, the Board filed an anti-SLAPP motion, a complex and costly legal tactic in an attempt to have my lawsuit dismissed.
The WRDSB is Appealing My Anti-SLAPP Court Victory
On November 22, 2023, Justice J.A. Ramsay of the Ontario Superior Court delivered a momentous decision in my favour. Dismissing the Board’s motion, he affirmed the merit of my claims and the right to free speech. His decision declared “The Human Rights Code does not prohibit public discussion… of anything.” He further lamented the irony of a government body attempting to stifle such discussion, saying, “What happened here should not happen in a democratic society.”
The WRDSB is Appealing Justice Ramsay's Decision
In a move that I find deeply troubling, the WRDSB has decided to appeal Justice Ramsay’s decision. This move prolongs my legal battle, escalates my expenses, and, most alarmingly, challenges the core values of free expression and transparency in our educational institutions.
The Financial and Emotional Toll
This legal journey has been both emotionally and financially draining. We have already spent $90,322 on legal fees for the defamation suit. The anti-SLAPP defense alone cost $47,000, and now the appeal defense of the anti-SLAPP is projected to add another $25,000. Completing the defamation suit could require an additional $60,000. If those projections are accurate, holding the Board accountable for their defamatory words will cost me over $175,000. Nevertheless, with your support, I am committed to fighting this to the finish.
I Need Your Support
This battle is about more than just one teacher’s right to speak. It’s about defending the freedom of educators to raise legitimate concerns about our children’s education without fear of censorship or retribution. It’s a fight for the soul of our educational system. I’m reaching out to you for support. If you can, please contribute to my legal fund. Every donation, big or small, makes a significant difference in our fight for justice and the protection of our children’s well-being.
Let’s stand together in this fight for the right to speak freely and truthfully. For ongoing updates and more information, please visit my website at cancelledteacher.com.
Sincerely,
Carolyn Burjoski