Richard Bilkszto, an educator and advocate against discrimination, died last week, leaving a legacy of advocacy for public education. He had a 24-year teaching career in education.
However, his career took a negative turn when he experienced bullying during a diversity, equity, and inclusion training session for Toronto District School Board (TDSB) administrators in 2021.
During a training session conducted by the KOJO Institute, Bilkszto questioned their claim about Canada being more racist than the United States. He acknowledged Canada’s imperfections but emphasized its commitment to providing opportunities and progress.
Unfortunately, his comments were labeled as examples of white supremacy, leading to a humiliating experience for Bilkszto, who had always advocated for equality and anti-discrimination.
The aftermath of the training session was disheartening. The school board distanced itself from Bilkszto, and a colleague thanked the facilitator for “modelling the discomfort.” The toll of the incident was severe, and Bilkszto experienced a severe mental health crisis, necessitating an extended leave from work. His association of education administrators requested an investigation into the incident, but the board refused, exacerbating the distressing situation.
Upon his return to work, the TDSB refused to reinstate Bilkszto to his previous role and revoked a work contract he had been awarded for the upcoming year. Adding to the ordeal, the board disinvited him from attending a graduation ceremony, further marginalizing a dedicated educator who had served his community with passion and commitment.
With no recourse left, Bilkszto filed a lawsuit against the TDSB administrators, seeking accountability and justice. The tragedy that unfolded in 2021 weighed heavily on him, leading to a state of distress that ultimately consumed him.
In addition to his work in education, Bilkszto was an advocate for civil rights and anti-discrimination. He was a member of the Toronto chapter of the Foundation Against Intolerance and Racism (FAIR) and played a crucial role in establishing the organization. His commitment to fairness and preserving the district’s merit-based admissions system for specialty programs was unwavering.
