Date: October 1, 2026
Reporter: Emilly Jordan
Twelve Jewish teachers and educators have filed human rights applications against four Ontario school boards and two teachers’ unions, alleging systemic antisemitism and discrimination in their workplaces.
The applications were filed Thursday with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario and name 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 named as respondents.
The educators allege that they experienced discrimination because of their Jewish ethnicity and that the organizations responsible for their workplaces failed to adequately respond when concerns about discrimination were reported. Some applicants also allege that they faced reprisals or disciplinary action after raising concerns.
Kathryn Marshall, who represents the applicants, said the educators had repeatedly sought assistance from their school boards and unions but believed their concerns were not adequately addressed.
“For too long, Jewish teachers in Ontario have gone to work facing antisemitism,” Marshall said in a statement issued on behalf of the applicants. She alleged that some educators were ignored or faced reprisals after seeking help.
Michelle Outmezguine, an educator and member of ETFO who is among the applicants, said Jewish educators had been silenced and disciplined for speaking out about their experiences. She characterized the situation as a double standard.
The applications seek $150,000 in general damages for each applicant, as well as compensation for psychological counselling. The applicants are also asking the tribunal to require the school boards and unions to establish what they describe as transparent and enforceable policies to combat systemic antisemitism, with input from members of Ontario’s Jewish community.
The complaints come amid broader concerns about antisemitism in Ontario schools since the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attacks in Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza. A 2025 study published through the Government of Canada examined reported antisemitic incidents in Ontario’s K-12 schools and noted growing concerns among Jewish students, educators and families, while also examining how schools responded to reported incidents.
The applicants' release also referenced recent events involving Ontario's Jewish community, including the September 21 shooting outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, where a police officer was critically injured. The allegations made in the teachers' applications, however, concern their employment experiences with the named school boards and unions.
The Toronto District School Board said in a statement to CityNews that antisemitism and other forms of hate have no place in its schools or communities. The board said allegations are thoroughly investigated and addressed and that it will continue working with community organizations and agencies to combat antisemitism and promote inclusive schools and workplaces.
ETFO said it does not comment on legal matters that are before the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal.
The allegations have not been adjudicated by the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, meaning the filing itself does not establish that discrimination or systemic antisemitism occurred. The respondents will have an opportunity to respond through the tribunal process.
The complaints also come against a backdrop of continuing debate within Ontario's education system over how schools should address issues connected to the Israel-Gaza conflict and their effects on students and staff. A 2025 Ontario government review of a Toronto District School Board excursions policy, for example, documented concerns expressed by Jewish students, teachers and families about their sense of safety and belonging, while also recording concerns and experiences from Palestinian students and families. The review said the conflict had created significant tension within the school community.
The TDSB has previously maintained processes for reporting incidents involving racism, bias or hate. Its published procedure directs concerns through teachers, principals, superintendents and, where necessary, the board's Human Rights Office.
The 12 educators' applications now place their individual allegations before Ontario's human-rights adjudication system. The tribunal process will determine what portions of the complaints can proceed and, ultimately, whether the evidence supports the allegations made against the school boards and unions.
For the applicants, the filings represent an effort to have their workplace experiences formally examined. For the named institutions, the proceedings provide an opportunity to respond to the allegations and present their own evidence regarding how complaints of antisemitism and discrimination have been handled.
The cases are expected to draw further attention to how Ontario's publicly funded education system addresses antisemitism, workplace discrimination and disputes involving employees whose identities and experiences have been affected by the wider conflict in the Middle East.