Local principal temporarily removed for ‘xenophobic and racist’ remark

A Brampton school employee has been temporarily removed from their position as principal after making a comment that was “xenophobic” and “racist.”

According to a letter by Peter Joshua, director of education with the board, on the school website, Julie DeMaeyer, a principal at Central Peel Secondary School in Brampton, has been “temporarily removed” from her position after a comment she made during a staff meeting.

“In a discussion related to the placement of students in regional programs, Principal DeMaeyer made a comment that was xenophobic and racist,” said Joshua in the letter.

According to the letter, DeMaeyer apologized for the remark after immediately recognizing that her statement was hurtful and discriminatory.

“Discriminatory remarks are upsetting and hurtful, and never acceptable,” stated Joshua.

“As outlined in the Peel board’s Safe and Accepting Schools Policy 48, we must always honour the rights of others by “refraining from actions that may be motivated by bias, prejudice or hate against identifiable groups.”

The Peel District School Board (PDSB) is currently conducting an investigation. 

An Acting Principal will be placed at Central Peel while the investigation is underway and an outcome has been determined.