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Nipissing University investigating a student teacher spreading anti-Semitic messaging in a classroom

In a far right chat room, the student-teacher admitted to questioning if the Holocaust actually occurred, and did that when the teacher was not in the classroom  
2015 10 7 Nipissing University doors turl

NORTH BAY — Nipissing University is conducting an investigation into a student-teacher who was spreading anti-semitic messaging to students at a middle school in Ontario. 

According to the Globe and Mail report, the university sent an email to staff and faculty on Tuesday stating that “Nipissing University was investigating the student in question.”  

See original Globe and Mail story HERE.

In the report, the student teacher boasted about his anti-semitic behaviour in a local classroom on a far-right discussion group chat which was obtained by the Globe and Mail.   

In the chat, the student who went by the nickname “Dank” admitted to questioning if the Holocaust actually occurred, and did that when the teacher was not in the classroom.  

He stated that he encouraged the students to do their own research in the hope that they might find some of the same controversial sources that he had when he was younger. 

He also told the group that it was important for the far right to have a presence in educational institutions.

“We can’t just give over education to the people who hate us,” Dank wrote on the chat obtained by the Globe and Mail.   

The report did not identify the student who described himself as a University of Toronto graduate studying to become a teacher at another Ontario university.   

The Nipissing connection came when “Dank” shared an image on the chat of course material that had the Nipissing University logo on it.  

Nipissing University will not release any details about the investigation but they did share the faculty email they sent out with BayToday.  

"At this time we are not prepared for further comment until the investigation is complete," stated Cristin Christopher, Director, External Relations, Nipissing University in an email to BayToday. 

In the email to faculty and staff, the University stated they first became aware of the allegations on April 27th. 

"We have since initiated an investigation into the identity of the student in question," stated the email. 

"The university administration has already taken a number of steps to address this situation.  In addition to investigating the student in question, we have been in contact with potential schools in which the placement took place to ensure that we have a comprehensive understanding of what transpired. Further, we have contacted the Ontario College of Teachers to ensure that they are kept apprised of developments. Finally, we will be conducting our own degree audit of the student in question.

"We will continue to strive to create an environment that is inclusive, diverse, welcoming and safe. We want to reinforce that there is no room for bigotry, intolerance, and racism at Nipissing University." 


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Chris Dawson

About the Author: Chris Dawson

Chris Dawson has been with BayToday.ca since 2004. He has provided up-to-the-minute sports coverage and has become a key member of the BayToday news team.
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